Bird flu and disease the focus of Huntly event run by James Hutton Institute

HUNTLY will be the location for an event which is aiming to educate and inform non-commercial bird keepers on the risk of disease including bird flu.

The event, which is run by The James Hutton Institute, is targeting bird owners across Aberdeenshire and will be held at the Square Deal on the evening of Thursday, January 18.

The institution aims to spread awareness for backyard keepers on how to manage their birds safely to prevent disease outbreaks.

Orla Shortfall, a researcher at the Hutton Institute, said: “Backyard keepers have a role to play in managing risks associated with avian influenza.

“However, they can be difficult to reach and they may not have the facilities to manage the risks of diseases like this spreading.

"They might not have space to bring the birds inside or a means to keep wild birds away, for instance."

Mrs Shortfall hopes for a response from these owners so that the institution can be prepared to help.

She added: “We’re interested in learning what could help them address these risks, and what other information would be useful to them to keep their flocks safe.”

Keepers interested in attending the event should contact carol.kyle@hutton.ac.uk

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