Avian flu surveillance zone lifted in and around Birsay

A 10km surveillance zone put in place following the discovery of a highly pathogenic strain of Avian Influenza (H5N1) at a premises in Birsay has now been lifted.

The declaration was made on the advice of Scotland’s chief veterinary officer and signed by Rural Affairs and Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon on July 6 to try and prevent any further spread of disease.

Trading Standards Manager, Gary Foubister, who oversees the Council’s Animal Welfare team, said: “Following completion of preliminary cleansing and disinfection and mandatory surveillance requirements, Scottish Ministers have today, 8 August, declared the end of these zones.

“This means all zonal restrictions within this area have been lifted.  Further information can be found in the Declaration.”

There are now no infected premises-specific disease control zones in place in Scotland, but it should be noted that the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) remains in force across GB. 

Poultry and other captive bird keepers must remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns. 

Further advice for bird keepers can be found at www.gov.scot/avianinfluenza.

APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) have published a blog relating to the actions the UK Government are taking to halt bird flu available here -

UK Government’s action to halt bird flu outbreaks - Defra in the media (blog.gov.uk)