News / Bird flu order
POULTY owners in Shetland are being advised to either keep birds indoors or otherwise separate from wild birds following a bird flu alert.
The whole of Scotland has been declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone by Health Protection Scotland. The zone applies to all poultry and captive birds, regardless of species.
The threat to public health from this strain of avian influenza H5N8 has been described as “very low”.
However, the order remains in place until 5pm on 6 January 2017.
Public health professionals advise that the declaration requires keepers to:
- Keep bird feed and water separate from wild birds;
- Reduce movement of people, vehicles and equipment to areas where birds are kept;
- Take steps to control vermin eg filling holes in walls;
- For poultry farmers, cleanse and disinfect all housing and equipment at the end of a production cycle;
- For poultry farmers, provide disinfectant at entry points.
Keepers should discuss biosecurity arrangements with their local vet or contact the nearest Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) office in Inverurie on telephone on 01467 626 610 or APHA.Scotland@apha.gsi.gov.uk
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