Protection zones put in place after confirmation of bird flu outbreak

NatureScot confirmed an outbreak of a highly pathogenic avian influenza in Aberdeenshire and Orkney.

Protection zones put in place in Aberdeenshire and Orkney after confirmation of bird flu outbreak NatureScot

Protection zones have been put in place in Aberdeenshire and Orkney after an outbreak of bird flu, the Scottish Government have announced.

Avian influenza (H5N1) was detected at a site near Huntly, and a premises near Kirkwall on Saturday.

A 3km (1.6 miles) protection zone has been put in place around both sites, as well as a 10km (6.2 miles) surveillance zone.

The Scottish Government confirmed the outbreak of the virus and said the risk towards the general public was “very low”.

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

It comes following outbreaks over the spring and summer among wild bird populations around Scotland’s coast.

In July, Scottish government agency NatureScot announced it was setting up a taskforce to respond to bird flu outbreaks.

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