Bird flu outbreak reported at poultry farm in Banff, Aberdeenshire as protection zone enforced

An outbreak of bird flu has been identified at a farm in Aberdeenshire.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed at a poultry farm near Banff on Friday, August 1.

A 3 km (1.8 mile) protection zone and 10 km (6.2mile) surveillance zone have been in place.

Scotland’s chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas confirmed that avian flu had been detected.

If a premises is in one of the zones, owners must ensure that the disease does not spread and that their birds are protected.

An outbreak of bird flu has been identified at a farm in Aberdeenshire with a protection zone put in place. Animal & Plant Health Agency

Inspections of stock for signs of infection must be carried out and any signs of disease should be immediately reported to a vet, local APHA Field Services office or 03000 600 703.

Records must be kept of any visitors to the premises and records of the flock, including numbers of poultry, numbers of poultry falling ill or dying, the amount of feed and water being consumed and any egg production.

Livestock, poultry, other captive birds, eggs, domestic mammals, meat or carcases must not be moved without permission, known as a licence.

Poultry litter, manure and slurry should be spread and these substances not moved from a premises without a licence, and game birds should not be released.

Avian flu is not considered dangerous to humans, but people are advised not to touch dead or dying birds.