STATEMENT: Avian influenza (bird flu) outbreaks

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed at a premises near Birsay, Orkney Islands on 06 July 2022.

A 3 km Protection Zone (PZ) and 10 km Surveillance Zone (SZ) were declared, which took effect from 18:50 on 06 July 2022. This means movement restrictions within these zones – for example, poultry, carcases, eggs, used poultry litter and manure – to prevent any further spread of disease. Further information can be found in the Declaration.

Keepers can find out if their premises is in these zones via the APHA interactive map. You are in a PZ or SZ if the whole or part of your premises falls within the zone.

Vigilance by bird keepers is important and any suspicion of disease in Scotland must be reported immediately to the local APHA Field Services office.

Avian influenza rarely infects humans and does not transmit easily between humans. Infection can range from mild illness to death. The epidemiology and virology of avian influenza viruses are continually monitored by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to their pandemic potential.

Health Protection Scotland

Recent dead wild bird findings

The GB dead wild bird surveillance programme has identified cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in a variety of wild bird species. 

They have been found in Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Argyll & Bute, Ayrshire, Clackmannanshire, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Dumfries and Galloway, East Dunbartonshire, City of Edinburgh, East Lothian,Falkirk, Fife, Glasgow City, Highland, Midlothian, Moray, North Lanarkshire, Orkney, Perth and Kinross, Renfrewshire, Scottish Borders, Shetland, South Lanarkshire, Stirling and West Lothian.

In Great Britain, if you find three dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks), a single dead bird of prey, or five or more dead wild birds of any other species (including gulls) at the same place at the same time, you should report them to Defra’s national GB telephone helpline: 03459 33 55 77 . It is advisable that you do not touch these birds.

All findings of HPAI in wild birds in Great Britain are published weekly.