Avian flu – Firth protection zone measures lifted

The 3km protection zone around the avian flu infected premises in Firth has been lifted as of 27 November, Scottish Ministers have confirmed.

This follows the completion of preliminary cleansing and disinfection, and mandatory surveillance requirements. The 10km surveillance zone in the same area remains in place.

Further information can be found in this Declaration

OIC Trading Standards Manager, Gary Foubister, said: “An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) remains in place across the UK in a bid to reduce the spread of avian flu. From Monday 17 October, it became a legal requirement for all bird keepers in the UK to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the threat of avian flu.

“This means all bird keepers must be diligent in continuing to take effective and precautionary biosecurity measures including cleansing and disinfecting equipment, clothing and vehicles, limiting access to non-essential people on their sites, and workers changing clothing and footwear before entering and when leaving bird enclosures.”

There are no national housing measures currently imposed in Scotland.

Anyone who spots a single dead bird of prey, three dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks), or five or more dead wild birds of any other species at the same place and time, should report them to Defra’s National GB telephone helpline: 03459 33 55 77. Do not touch the birds.

Sick or injured wild birds should be reported to the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) in Scotland by telephone (03000 999 999).

Keepers should familiarise themselves with the avian flu advice.