Avian influenza outbreaks in Scotland
29 March 2022
Article: 56/1207
On 18 March 2022, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed at a premises near Beith, North Ayrshire, while the following day, HPAI H5N1 was confirmed at a premises near Strichen, Aberdeenshire. As a result, three km protection zones (PZ) and ten km surveillance zones (SZ) were declared in both cases, restricting movements of poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure in order to help prevent any further spread of disease.
In recent weeks, HPAI H5N1 was also confirmed at various locations in Aberdeenshire, Dumfriesshire and Angus, while cases have been confirmed in parts of England and Wales.
Keepers can find out if their premises is in the PZ or SZ by viewing the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) interactive map. Premises are in a PZ or SZ if the whole or part of the premises falls within the zone.
Vigilance by bird keepers is important and any suspicion of disease should be reported immediately to the local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) office, while suspected cases in Scotland can be reported by contacting a local field services office.
On 29 November 2021, a Great Britain-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was introduced, with the requirement on all bird keepers, including those who keep pet birds, to practice strict biosecurity measures to help prevent the spread of avian influenza from wild birds or any other source.