Avian Influenza advice

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) advice

Autumn and winter are times traditionally associated with an increase in avian influenza. Cases have been found in various parts of Scotland in recent months including  a cluster of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 infected premises near Penicuik at the boundary between Midlothian and Scottish Borders. 

Dead wild birds

If you come across at the same place at the same time:

  • a single dead bird of prey, swan, goose, duck or gull
  • or five or more dead wild birds of any other species

Report them:

Precautions

  • Do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds
  • Keep pets/dogs away from any dead or sick birds
  • Do not feed wild waterfowl
  • Do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings

Human Influenza Vaccination

NHS Scotland is offering the free flu vaccination this winter to those at risk of exposure to avian (bird) flu. The vaccine doesn't protect against avian (bird) flu, but it can lower the risk of a new flu virus forming if you’re exposed to both human flu and bird flu at the same time. Those eligible include individuals who work at, or regularly visit, poultry units and poultry processing units.

To book an appointment call:

  • 0800 030 8013

Actions for bird keepers following outbreaks near Penicuik, Scottish Borders

New control zones in place

It has been confirmed that there is a cluster of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 infected premises near Penicuik at the boundary between Midlothian and Scottish Borders. Protections Zones and Surveillance Zones are in place, with a range of different controls and restrictions implemented on poultry and other captive bird premises, to limit further spread of the disease. We are working in partnership with Scottish Borders Council and the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Action required

Anyone who keeps poultry (including chickens, ducks, geese or turkeys) or captive birds (such as pigeons or birds of prey) within either zone must take action immediately.

Bird keepers

Bird keepers located inside the blue 3km or black 10km zones shown on the APHA interactive map must register or update their details on the Scottish Kept Bird Register without delay. This is a legal requirement.

To register

The affected zones

To check whether your premises fall within the affected zones, visit the APHA Interactive avian influenza Disease Map

Spotting and reporting avian influenza

Bird keepers are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with the rules and biosecurity measures required within disease control zones. Information on how to spot, prevent, and report avian influenza can be found on the Scottish Government website:

Anyone who has concerns about the health of their birds, or suspects avian influenza, should contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) immediately on:

  • 03000 600 711

Reducing the risk

You can greatly reduce the risk to your poultry and other captive birds by:

  • Cleaning and disinfecting clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry or other captive birds – if practical, using disposable protective clothing
  • Reducing the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and other captive birds are kept, and use of effective rodent control
  • Keeping government-approved fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points.
  • Minimising direct and indirect contact between poultry and other captive birds, with wild birds
  • Fencing off areas of standing water that may attract wild waterfowl, so they are inaccessible to poultry

Scottish Kept Bird Register

All keepers must register the location(s) of their bird(s) on the Scottish Kept Bird Register (SKBR). 

More information 

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