Easter Ross bird flu surveillance zone established as infected premises flagged by Scottish Government
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A BIRD flu surveillance zone has been established in Easter Ross after confirmation of what the Scottish Government has termed "a highly pathogenic avian influenza".
The infected premises have been pinpointed as 7 Pitcalnie Holdings, Nigg, Tain, IV19 1QP.
The surveillance zone is contained within a circle with a radius of three kilometres, centred on grid reference NH 80511 72151.
The declaration of infected premises and surveillance zone, issued over the weekend, states: "The chief veterinary officer (Scotland) has formed the opinion that highly pathogenic avian influenza exists, or has in the previous 56 days existed, on premises and has informed the Scottish Minsters of that conclusion."
The declaration has effect until it is amended or revoked by further declaration.
Some strains of bird flu can pass to humans but this is very rare. It usually requires very close contact between humans and infected birds.
More information on that can be found here.
Related: Bird flu warning to woodland visitors
Measures now applicable in the surveillance zone include:
The occupier of any premises must make a record of–
(a) the name and address of any person visiting the premises (unless the visit is only to a part of the premises where people live and where no poultry or other captive birds are kept);
(b) the date of the visit;
(c) whether the person had any contact with poultry or other captive birds on the premises.
The occupier of any such premises must keep a record of all poultry entering or leaving those premises.
Every person who is engaged in the transport or marketing of poultry or poultry eggs must keep a record of all poultry and poultry eggs transported or marketed by that person.
The occupier of any premises in the surveillance zone must maintain the following records:
(a) the number or approximate number of poultry (if any) on the premises;
(b) the number of poultry falling ill on the premises;
(c) the number of poultry dying on the premises;
(d) the amount of feed and, where possible, water being consumed by any poultry on the premises;
(e) any egg production on the premises.
In terms of biosecurity measures, the occupier and any person entering or leaving premises where poultry, other captive birds or eggs are kept must:
(a) take appropriate biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of the spread of avian influenza to or from the premises; and
(b) comply with any biosecurity requirements which a veterinary inspector, by notice, imposes.
Further details on the declaration, requirements and surveillance zone can be found here.
Background
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been confirmed in Scotland and in other parts of the UK. Restrictions and prevention measures are in place.
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was declared across the whole of the UK from 12pm on 17 October 2022.
This means strict biosecurity measures for all bird keepers (including those who keep pet birds) to help prevent the spread of avian influenza from wild birds or any other source. All poultry gatherings are banned.
The AIPZ does not currently include a requirement to house birds in Scotland. However, this is being kept under constant review. You should always check as different arrangements may apply in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The grace period for free range egg production only applies where restriction of access to open-air runs is required – i.e. under a housing order. If a producer chooses to house voluntarily, the eggs don’t meet the free-range requirements and packs must be marked as “barn eggs”.
Cases and disease control zones
Check where disease control zones are currently located and if you are in a zone on the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) interactive map.
Avain influenza - how to spot and report the disease
The Scottish Government Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate has issued the following advice:
Avian influenza is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect any type of avian influenza in poultry or captive birds you must report it immediately by contacting your local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.
Clinical signs
Avian influenza viruses can be classified according to their ability to cause severe disease (pathogenicity) as either highly pathogenic or low pathogenic. The viruses are described by their major antigen determinants, H (for haemagglutinin) and N (neuraminidase). The current strain of concern is a highly pathogenic H5N1.
In birds we are mainly concerned with H5 and H7 subtypes. It is known that the LPAI H5 and H7 virus subtypes can mutate into the highly pathogenic form that causes serious illness and deaths in birds, although in water fowl the disease may not be apparent.
Signs of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI)
Typically, infection with LPAI is often difficult to detect, with very few if any clinical signs.
An infected flock might show signs of respiratory distress, diarrhoea, a loss of appetite or a drop in egg production of more than 5%.
If you are suspicious your flock has any form of avian influenza you must contact your local animal health office immediately.
Signs of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)
Typically this form of the disease presents suddenly, often with very high mortality, with affected birds developing swollen heads, a blue colouration of the comb and wattles, dullness, lack of appetite, respiratory distress, diarrhoea and significant drop in egg production.
However, there can be considerable variation in the clinical picture and severity of the disease. If you are suspicious your flock has any form of avian influenza you must contact your local animal health office immediately.
If you suspect signs of any notifiable diseases, you must immediately notify your Scotland: field service local office at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Failure to do so is an offence. Sign up to the APHA Alerts Service to keep up to date with the latest news.
Human health implications
Some strains of bird flu can pass to humans but this is very rare. It usually requires very close contact between humans and infected birds. Find out more at: bird flu and human health.
