Bird f lu outbreak triggers culling of hen f lock
A BIRD flu outbreak has sparked a lockdown and two-mile prevention zone to stop the killer disease spreading.
A flock of free-range hens will be ‘humanely culled’ after testing positive for the disease in Dumfriesshire.
The incident was reported on Friday night and the prevention zone was set up yesterday.
Health experts are determined to stop the disease spreading, as it can be devastating for birds and businesses, and is potentially deadly for humans – although no one has been infected in the UK.
A six-mile surveillance zone has also been established, covering Gretna and part of Annan.
The Scottish Government said the infected birds were found at Raeburnhead, Kirkpatrick Fleming.
A number of restrictions have now been put in place, including on the movement of poultry and eggs.
Members of the public have been warned against picking up any sick or dead birds they may find.
Instead, they have been advised to report any findings to the UK Government’s Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Mairi Gougeon, Rural Affairs Secretary, said: ‘With the recent disease confirmations in wild and captive birds across the UK, it is not unexpected for avian influenza to be found in birds here in Scotland. We ask that the public remain vigilant and report any findings of dead wild birds to Defra’s national telephone helpline.
‘Do not touch or pick up any dead or sick birds that you find.’
Sheila Voas, Scotland’s chief veterinary officer, added: ‘All bird keepers – whether major businesses or small keepers with just a few birds – must ensure that their biosecurity is up to scratch to protect their birds from disease and prevent any contact between their birds and wild birds.
‘Keepers who are concerned about the health or welfare of their flock should seek veterinary advice immediately.
‘Any dead wild swans, geese, ducks or birds of prey, or five or more dead wild birds of other species (including gulls) in the same location at the same time, should be reported to Defra’s national telephone helpline.
‘Public health advice is that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers – and it does not affect the consumption of poultry products, including eggs.’
There have been growing concerns about bird flu cases across the UK, and even fears it could lead to a turkey shortage at Christmas.
Last month, the disease was detected in a swan on the Solway Coast, and a flock of poultry in Angus was culled after testing positive for the H5N1 virus.
An avian influenza prevention zone, covering the whole of Great Britain, was established on November 29.
It means that bird keepers are now legally required to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks this winter.
People with more than 500 birds are instructed to limit access to them, and ensure workers change clothing and footwear before entering enclosures, while vehicles must be disinfected regularly to halt the spread of the disease.
Owners with smaller numbers of poultry including chickens, ducks and geese are also expected to tighten controls.
In a joint statement last month, the chief veterinary officers for England, Scotland and Wales said: ‘Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, you are now legally required to introduce higher biosecurity standards on your farm or small holding.’
‘Do not touch or pick up any dead or sick birds’