Avian Flu Confirmed Near Kirkwall

By theorkneynews on October 30, 2022 • ( Leave a comment )

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed at a premises near Kirkwall, Orkney Islands on 30 October 2022.

A 3 km Protection Zone (PZ) and 10 km Surveillance Zone (SZ) were declared, which took effect from 17:15 on 30 October 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 are 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.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed at a premises near Tankerness, Orkney Islands on 14 October 2022.

Good biosecurity

Good biosecurity improves the overall health and productivity of your flock by helping keep out poultry diseases and limiting the spread of disease during an outbreak.

If you keep poultry (including game birds or as pets), you should also:

read Avian influenza (bird flu): how to spot and report the disease for biosecurity best practice advice
remain vigilant for any signs of disease in your flock. This is especially relevant if your birds are in a Higher Risk Area (HRA)

Keepers with over 500 birds

Keepers with more than 500 birds need to:

restrict access for non-essential personnel on their sites
ensure workers change clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures
clean and disinfect site vehicles regularly to limit the risk of disease spreading

Small flocks

Backyard owners with smaller numbers of poultry, including chickens, ducks and geese must also take steps to limit the risk of the disease spreading to their animals. This also applies if you only have a few birds as pets.

An outbreak of avian influenza in backyard poultry results in the same restrictions on movement of birds. It has the same impact on farmers and trade in poultry as an outbreak on a commercial farm would have.