NFU Scotland is urging all poultry keepers - large and small - to review their biosecurity measures following confirmation of a new outbreak of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza in a commercial free-range flock in Yorkshire.
All flock keepers have been aware of the risk posed by Avian Influenza, particularly at this time of year, and all keepers, regardless of flock size, are reminded of the new requirement to register details of their birds with the Scottish Kept Bird Register by 1 December.
The public are being also asked to remain vigilant and report any findings of dead wild birds to Defra’s national helpline (03459 33 55 77 - option 7). Do not touch dead or sick wild birds and keep dogs away.
NFU Scotland’s Poultry Committee Chair, Robert Thompson said: “In the expectation that Avian Influenza will once again impact on Scottish poultry flocks this winter, reviewing your biosecurity measures now is the sensible step to take to best protect Scottish poultry.
“Since the UK was declared an AI-free zone earlier this year, it is possible that some farms may have taken their eye off the ball. This new case means everyone needs to up their game. AI will find the weak point in any biosecurity, as this is a virus that knows no boundaries.
“Every poultry keeper, whether you have one hen in the back garden or a large poultry business, must consider biosecurity measures seriously and take steps to protect your birds from this devastating disease.
“In terms of assisting Scotland’s response were an AI outbreak to occur, it is in everyone’s interest that every poultry flock, large or small, is included on the new Scottish Kept Bird Register. The deadline for compliance is 1 December 2024
“Scottish and GB poultry keepers have had to live with the heightened threat of AI at this time of year for several years now, linked to wild and migratory birds. Many will have already prepared for this eventuality and it’s crucial that everyone, including the public, remains vigilant and reports any signs of disease in birds at the earliest opportunity.”
Notes to editor
- Confirmation of Avian Influenza in a free-range flock in Yorkshire is thought to involve H5N5 strain of the virus. This has been discovered previously in wild birds but not domesticated flocks.
- To report suspect disease in domestic flocks In Scotland, contact your local APHA office – details at: Contact APHA - GOV.UK. The Helplines are open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm. There is an out of hours facility on the same number for reporting suspicion of notifiable diseases in animals or urgent animal welfare issues.
- The public are being also asked to remain vigilant and report any findings of dead wild birds. If you find a single dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks), a single dead bird of prey, or five or more dead wild birds of any other species (including gulls) at the same place at the same time, you should report them to Defra’s national helpline (03459 33 55 77 - please select option 7). Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds.
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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006