Colleagues
You may wish to note the news release issued by Scottish Government today.
From 00:01 on 28 February 2017, a new Avian Influenza Prevention Zone will come into effect in Scotland meaning that, from that date, keepers may let their birds out provided that they have enhanced biosecurity measures in place. The risk level from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza remains at ‘high’ for wild birds and ‘low to medium’ for domestic birds, so it is essential that all bird keepers continue to ensure that their birds are protected from infection by practicing the highest levels of biosecurity. Having listened carefully to key industry stakeholders, Scottish Government’s decision to allow birds outside on 28 February, under enhanced biosecurity, provides a better balance between reducing disease risk and minimising the economic impact on Scotland’s vital free range poultry industry.
The full text of the new declaration (which runs 28 Feb – 30 Apr) is available on our website now, along with FAQs about the new zone (including guidance on enhanced biosecurity measures), a checklist to assist with compliance (also attached below), and a new poster aimed at backyard poultry or small flock bird keepers.
Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Sheila Voas, is writing to all Scottish bird keepers registered on the GB Poultry Register* to make them aware of all the changing requirements within the zone. I provide a copy of the letter and the checklist, which will issue tomorrow, for your information.
(*It is a legal requirement for all commercial poultry keepers with 50 or more birds to register their premises on the GB Poultry Register. The voluntary registration of premises with fewer than 50 birds is encouraged)
If you haven’t registered already, you may wish to sign up to the APHA Alerts Service which provides emails or texts on the latest news specific to exotic notifiable animal disease in Great Britain.
Kindest
Nadine