Scottish Government Confirm Avian Influenza Prevention Zone To Be Lifted.

The zone required bird keepers in all areas of Scotland to put in place enhanced biosecurity measures prior to letting their birds outside, in order to reduce the risk of disease.

The ban on shows and gatherings of poultry, waterfowl and game birds will remain in force until 15 May, when a new general licence will come into force.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy Fergus Ewing said:

“This will be welcome news for many keepers who have opted to keep their birds indoors to protect them from a seasonally increased risk from highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8. This decision has been made following the recent veterinary risk assessment concluding that the risk of avian influenza incursion to poultry and captive birds in Scotland had decreased to low.

“This has been a testing time for all of us, and I would like to thank all bird keepers in Scotland for their co-operation and vigilance. Your positive and committed response has helped us reach this point.”

Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas said:

“It is a relief to see that the risk of HPAI H5N8 in Scotland has reduced, but this does not mean we should be complacent; the risk of avian influenza has not disappeared.  It is essential that bird keepers maintain effective biosecurity year-round, not just when a prevention zone is in place.  All bird keepers should consider maintaining excellent biosecurity practices like washing boots and equipment with approved disinfectant, implementing effective rodent control, minimizing unnecessary visitors and reducing their flock’s contact with wild birds. 

“I would also strongly urge businesses to reassess their contingency plans, given the new perspective this season’s outbreaks of H5N8 provides. Practical advice about their specific arrangements should be sought from their private vets, in consultation with their local Animal Plant and Health Agency office.”

“There is work needed to be done this summer to assess how we handle such situations in the future and for keepers to consider carefully their contingency plans and resilience to face similar situations in the future.”

Penny Middleton, NFU Scotland’s Poultry Policy and Animal Health and Welfare Policy Manager commented:
“NFU Scotland welcomes the news that the latest veterinary risk assessment has concluded that the risk of AI incursion to poultry in Scotland has reduced to low, allowing the lifting of the prevention zone on 30 April.

“This has been a testing time for the Scottish poultry industry and their response and cooperation in the face of such heightened risk is to be applauded.

“Obviously whilst the risk has reduced it has not disappeared completely and keepers need to stay focussed on biosecurity, maintaining measures to minimise contact between the flock and wild birds and to minimise any spread of potential infection.  The level of threat this winter has been unprecedented but could be the start of a recurring pattern.

“There is work needed to be done this summer to assess how we handle such situations in the future and for keepers to consider carefully their contingency plans and resilience to face similar situations in the future.”