Shetland Islands Council is urging local poultry owners to take steps to house their birds, to prevent mixing with wild birds, following a recent bird flu outbreak in Orkney.
Avian Influenza (H5N8) was confirmed in poultry on the island of Sanday in Orkney four days ago. Birds in the affected flock were culled humanely, and a local protection and surveillance zone is now in place to reduce the spread of the disease.
An Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ) was introduced in Scotland, England and Wales on 11th November. New housing measures were also introduced from 14th December requiring all bird keepers to comply with an order to house their birds and follow strict biosecurity measures.
The main threat is from wild birds, such as ducks, geese and waterfowl, which can spread the disease to poultry and other captive birds. Poultry keepers must wherever possible keep their birds housed indoors, or under an enclosed run that prevents mixing with wild birds.
Keepers must ensure that housed birds welfare needs are met, with adequate supplies of feed and water. They must keep housing and covered runs free from a build-up of waste materials, which could attract rats or mice.
Avian influenza is a reportable disease and if the health of their birds deteriorates unexpectedly, keepers must also contact their vet, or the Animal Health and Plant Agency (APHA), as soon as possible. The nearest APHA office is in Inverurie – telephone 03000 600708 or APHA.Scotland@apha.gov.uk
Further avian influenza biosecurity guidance can be found on the Scottish Government website at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu/