Warning as bird flu restrictions lifted

DISEASE: Chief vet says AI risk has not disappeared

Bird flu restrictions will be lifted this weekend, but the poultry industry has been warned the threat of avian influenza (AI) could become a recurring pattern.

Scotland’s chief vet, Sheila Voas, said the risk of AI has not disappeared and businesses should reassess their contingency plans after the winter outbreaks.

“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,” she said.

“It is essential that bird keepers maintain effective biosecurity yearround, 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.”

The AI prevention zone required bird keepers to put enhanced biosecurity measures in place prior to letting their birds outside.

Rural secretary Fergus Ewing said the decision to lift restrictions had been made following a risk assessment which concluded the risk of avian influenza incursion to poultry and captive birds in Scotland had decreased to low.

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

NFU Scotland’s poultry manager, Penny Middleton, said work needed to be done this summer to assess how such situations were handled in future

She added: “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.”

The ban on shows and gatherings of birds will remain in force until May 15.