Avian flu detection on Wester Ross croft sparks introduction of 3km protection zone
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BIRD keepers are being urged to be vigilant after highly pathogenic avian flu was detected on a croft at Lochcarron – and a three kilometre protection zone was declared.
The avian flu H5N1 was confirmed at Sterlochy Croft, Croft Road, Lochcarron on Wednesday evening.
The discovery sparks the immediate declaration of a three kilometre protection zone, and a 10 km surveillance zone.
"This means movement restrictions within these zones – for example, poultry, carcases, eggs, used poultry litter and manure – to prevent any further spread of disease," said a Scottish Government spokesman.
They added: "Keepers can find out if their premises are in these zones via the [UK government's] Animal and Plant Health Agency (HPHA) interactive map.
"You are in a protection zone or surveillance zone if the whole or part of your premises falls within the zone.
"Vigilance by bird keepers is important and any suspicion of disease in Scotland must be reported immediately to the local APHA Field Services office."
Further information about the protection and surveillance zones can be found in the declaration.
The Lochcarron detection of avian flu came just one day after similar zones were thrown up around Stornoway on Lewis, and Portsoy in Aberdeenshire. There are now four such protection zones in force in Scotland.
