The Scottish Government has lifted the avian influenza prevention zone, which will remain in force on shows and gatherings of poultry, waterfowl and game birds until 15th May, when a new general licence will be introduced.
The prevention zone required bird keepers in all areas of Scotland to put in place enhanced biosecurity measures, prior to letting their birds outside, in order to minimise the risk of disease.
The decision to lift the ban followed the latest risk assessment of an incursion of HPAI H5N8 in domestic and captive birds in Scotland, which had concluded that the risk was low, marking a reduction from the previous Medium risk level.
In addition, the Wild Birds Surveillance report, produced by the Animal and Plant Health Agency, showed that since 1st December 2016, only one case of HPAI H5N8 has been identified in the country.
Scotland’s chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas highlighted that the risk level reduction “does not mean we should be complacent,” adding: “The risk of avian influenza has not disappeared. It is essential that bird keepers maintain effective biosecurity year-round, not just when a prevention zone is in place.”
She also urged businesses “to reassess their contingency plans, given the new perspective this season’s outbreaks of H5N8 provides”.
Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy, Fergus Ewing, noted: “This has been a testing time for all of us, and I would like to thank all bird keepers in Scotland for their co-operation and vigilance. Your positive and committed response has helped us reach this point.”
From 15th May all poultry shows and bird gatherings will be permitted, subject to prior notification to Animal and Plant Health Agency and the conditions of the general licence.
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
