Bird flu case confirmed as poultry farmers put on alert

Poultry farmers in Scotland have been urged to promote biosecurity after bird flu was confirmed in a free range laying flock.

Poultry farmers in Scotland have been urged to boost security after a case of bird flu was confirmed.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) Scotland said the virus, thought to have been contracted from wild birds, was found in Scotland last week.

Among recommended measures to promote biosecurity are cleaning and disinfecting vehicles and equipment that have come into contact with poultry and fencing off flocks to separate them from wild birds.

In a statement, NFU Scotland said: “Urgent message for poultry keepers.

“Low pathogenic Avian Influenza (AI), thought to have been contracted from wild birds, was confirmed in a Scottish free range laying flock at the end of last week.

“Please ensure highest levels of biosecurity at this time.”

In December, all 27,000 birds at a commercial poultry farm in Suffolk were culled after a number were found to have the H5 strain of avian flu, identified as “low pathogenic”.

Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We are aware of a case of avian influenza on a premise in Scotland following routine investigations.

“Laboratory results have confirmed a mild strain of non-notifiable avian influenza has been found. Given the results, the restrictions on the site have now been lifted.”  

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