Agriculture / Safety measures implemented after bird flu outbreak at Girlsta
A THREE kilometre protection zone and a 10 kilometre surveillance zone have been declared in Shetland after highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 (bird flu) was confirmed at premises at Girlsta, near Tingwall.
The declaration was made by the chief veterinary officer for Scotland late on Friday afternoon.
This means movement restrictions within these zones – for example, poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure – to prevent any further spread of disease.
In addition, people who own less than 50 birds and live in the surveillance zone are required to register their birds with the Animal & Plant Health Agency via e-mail surveillance@apha.gov.uk or telephone 03300 416589.
The government said that although the risk of bird flu to poultry and other captive birds has been reduced in Scotland, low risk does not mean no risk.
Keepers are encouraged to continue implementing strong biosecurity measures, as infection is still present in the environment and amongst wild birds.
The premises near Tingwall are currently the only known cases of bird flu in Shetland, but there are several others outbreaks across Scotland including in the Highlands, in Aberdeenshire and in the Western isles.
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