Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

The Comhairle are issuing a further reminder to poultry keepers about the serious risk of Avian influenza (bird flu) following the identification of the highly pathogenic form in a wild bird carcase discovered on South Uist. The locations of other dead birds has also been reported to DEFRA.

This underlines the importance of poultry owners of complying with the current requirements in order to protect their flocks.  Whether owners have a few birds or several hundred they are legally required to keep birds indoors or take appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds.

However, if that is not possible, ducks and geese should be kept in fully netted areas or temporary netted structures, even if it means confining them to a smaller area. All feeding and watering should take place indoors or under cover. Ducks and geese should not be kept with other poultry species as they often don't show any signs of disease, but can still pass it on to chickens, turkeys or other poultry species.

Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find in the wild. If you find a single dead bird of prey, gull or wild waterfowl (particularly swans, geese or ducks) or find five or more birds of any other species in the same location and at the same time, you should report them to the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77 - please select option 7).

For further information please visit the Scottish Government  website

Tags: Bird Flu

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