NFU Scotland is urging all poultry keepers – large or small – to put in place appropriate measures to house their birds following the Scottish Government announcement that new housing rules will be in place across Great Britain from 14 December.
From that date it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures to limit the spread of Avian Influenza and eradicate the disease.
NFU Scotland’s Poultry Policy Manager, Penny Middleton said: “In light of a number of confirmed Avian Influenza cases south of the Border, the introduction of these new housing measures is the sensible next step to best protect Scottish poultry.
“Giving poultry keepers due notice of these new measures coming into force on 14 December will allow them to prepare and implement the housing order to the best of their ability. In recent years, the industry has had to respond to heightened AI risk at this time of year and many will have contingency plans prepared for this eventuality.
“Every poultry keeper, whether you have one hen in the back garden or a large poultry business, must house their birds and I would urge everyone with poultry to take these measures seriously.
“It’s crucial that everyone remains vigilant and reports any signs of disease in their birds at the earliest opportunity.”
