Tens of thousands of birds culled as avian flu spreads
Losses are being counted as the spread of avian flu continues.
Tens of thousands of birds have been culled as a “highly pathogenic” strain of avian flu continues to spread across the south of Scotland.
Three cases of “highly pathogenic” avian flu have now been reported on farms in the Penicuik area, bringing the total number of cases across Scotland to four.
The latest outbreak around the town was reported on Christmas Eve and follows cases confirmed on December 18 and December 22.
Restrictions are now in place around Kingside Farm in Leadburn near West Linton, after Scotland’s chief veterinary officers confirmed a case of the H5N1 subtype on December 24.
The farm technically sits in the Borders and a 3km (1.8 mile) protection zone and a 10 km (6.6 mile) surveillance zone- which extend into neighbouring Midlothian - have been put in place.
It follows the discovery nearby of infected birds at Whim Poultry Farm in West Linton last Thursday and an oubreak at Halls Farm near Penicuik on Monday.
At Whim Farm, a cull was carried out of approximately 2,000 birds in the shed affected by the virus and a further 74,000 birds in a second shed clear of the virus.
The first case in Scotland was reported at Whitelees Poultry Farm, in Cleghorn, near Lanark in South Lanarkshire on 12 November.
A veterinary enquiry is underway to identify potential source and spread of disease.
Earlier this week, RSPB Scotland said it believed flu was affecting greylag and pink-footed geese at its Highland reserve.
The conservation charity said the main signs of infection in birds included a swollen head, lethargy, loss of balance and watery eyes.
It said people should not go near dead or unwell birds at Insh Marshes, or at any other sites, and footwear should be cleaned thoroughly between visits to the reserve.
The outbreak of avian flu in Scotland has affected large scale commercial producers as well as small scale enterprises.
The December 22 case was confirmed at Croft Organics Eggs, which operates out of Halls Farm.
A statement on social media said: “We are absolutely devastated this strain that was in the area has hit us now. We are following Government / APHA protocols and sadly cannot supply eggs presently or in the immediate future. Thank you to all our local customers for your loyal support over the years and hope we can be back at some point next year.”
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone is in place across Scotland, which brings in strict biosecurity measures for all bird keepers - including those who keep pet birds - to help prevent the spread from wild birds or any other source.
All keepers of poultry and other captive birds must follow strict rules on the cleansing and disinfection of equipment, vehicles and footwear. Foot dips must be placed at all entry and exit points of any part of the premises.
Feed, water and bedding are stored under cover and in a way to prevent exposure to bird droppings
Bird keepers who suspect avian influenza in kept birds in Scotland have a duty to report their concerns immediately.
Those keeping birds within a protection zone following an outbreak must record the name and address of any person visiting part of the premises where poultry or birds are kept. A record must also be kept of whether that person had any contact with the birds and if any of the poultry entered or left the premises.
The Scottish Governmet has been contacted for comment.
This week, several of the UK’s big supermarkets said it had been forced to source turkeys from Europe to keep shelves stocked this Christmas after avian flu curtailed UK production.
Asda, Lidl and Morrisons are understood to be stocking branded turkey imported from mainland Europe to “protect availability” and ensure sufficient supply for festive meals. The move has been described as “unprecedented” by some commentators.
All three retailers’ own-label fresh and frozen turkeys will be entirely British-sourced. However, Morrisons is stocking Bernard Matthews-branded turkey from Poland, and Asda is selling a Cherrywood-branded turkey crown from mainland Europe.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.