Bird flu cases declared near Fraserburgh

Avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been confirmed at two locations near Fraserburgh, which join a growing list of cases across the north of Scotland.

The Scottish Government has declared a 3km Protection Zone (PZ) and 10km Surveillance Zone (SZ), which took effect as of 9pm on Monday, August 14 at Cairnbulg Castle, Fraserburgh and also at Philorth House, Philorth, Fraserburgh at the same time.

This means movement restrictions within these zones – for example, poultry, carcases, eggs, used poultry litter and manure – to prevent any further spread of disease.

The latest cases add to a growing list, with a site at Mill of Towie near Cullen also having cases confirmed last week, while new cases have been detected near Lochcarron in Sutherland, Stornoway and Kirkcudbright.

A spokesperson said: "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."

Meanwhile, the Protection Zone for the case at Inchdrewer Farm near Banff has been ended.

Bird flu was confirmed at the farm on Sunday, July 9 with a 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone declared.

The Protection Zone was ended on Saturday, August 5. This followed completion of cleansing and disinfection, and mandatory surveillance requirements.

The area which formed the Protection Zone has now become part of the Surveillance Zone, which remains in place.

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