Bird flu order extended

AN ORDER advising poultry owners to keep birds indoors or away from other wild birds following a flu alert has been extended.

Avian influenza prevention measures will now be in place in Scotland, England and Wales until 28 February after previously running until Friday (6 January).

The countries were originally declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone on 6 December. The threat to the public remains very low.

Under the order, all poultry and captive bird keepers should keep their birds indoors, or otherwise separated from wild birds.

Keepers should discuss their biosecurity arrangements with their local vet, if necessary.

Since the order was introduced, the risk level for avian influenza incursions into flocks in the UK has been raised to ‘low to medium’ for poultry or captive birds, while it is ‘high’ for wild birds.

Anyone who believes an animal has a notifiable disease should contact the local Animal Plant & Health Agency office in Inverurie by calling 01467 626 610 or emailing APHA.Scotland@apha.gsi.gov.uk.