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Bird flu has been confirmed in a flock of free-range chickens on a farm on a Scottish island.
The Scottish government has said the birds remaining at Sanday’s premises in Orkney have been humanely culled and a 10km temporary control zone has been put in place.
A range of different controls are in place in the area, including restrictions on the movement of used poultry, carcasses, eggs, litter and poultry manure and restrictions on bird assemblies.
Authorities said appropriate restrictions were placed on the scene and any contact points identified to limit the spread of the disease, H5N8 avian influenza, after birds from an outdoor laying hen flock were tested positive.
Scotland’s chief veterinarian, Sheila Voas, said: “This case of H5N8 in a flock of birds on Sanday confirms that avian flu is present in Scotland.
“We have already made it clear that all bird keepers – whether they are large companies or small farmers with only a few birds – need to ensure their biosecurity is up to par to protect their birds from disease. and prevent contact between their birds and wild birds.
“Producers who are concerned about the health or welfare of their herd should see a veterinarian immediately. Your private veterinarian or your local Animal and Plant Health Agency office will also be able to provide you with practical advice to protect your birds from infection.
“All dead wild swans, geese, ducks or gulls, hawks or other birds of prey or five or more dead wild birds of other species in one location should be reported to Defra (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs). helpline.
‘Public health advice is that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies say avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk to UK consumers, and does not affect not the consumption of poultry products, including eggs.
The Scottish government has said that in light of evidence from the mainland and the high number of finds among wild bird populations in England, the risk of avian influenza incursion has been increased to very high for wild birds , medium for poultry with high biosecurity and high for poultry with poor biosecurity.
Scottish Minister for Rural Affairs and Natural Environment Mairi Gougeon said: ‘With recent confirmations of disease in wild and captive birds in the UK, it is no surprise that avian influenza is found among the birds here in Scotland.
“We ask the public to remain vigilant and report any finds of dead wild birds.”
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