National Bird Flu declaration updated to include controls for pheasants

Scottish Ministers declared the whole of Scotland to be an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone by Declaration made under article 6(1)(a) of the Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (Scotland) Order 2006 [S.S.I. 2006/336] on October 17.

A further risk assessment under article 6(1) of the Order has been undertaken.

The Scottish Ministers consider that certain additional restrictions and requirements imposed in the Declaration of an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone are necessary to reduce the risk of transmission of avian influenza.

The Scottish Ministers accordingly declare that the Declaration of an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone is amended as of 2pm on January 9.

The new changes under paragraphs (i) and (j) state -

(i) pheasants taken from the wild for the purpose of restocking supplies of game must not be moved from the premises into which they are taken until a period of 21 days from the date of taking of the last bird has elapsed, unless the movement is direct and licensed by a veterinary inspector or by an inspector under the direction of a veterinary inspector.

(j) records are kept of pheasants taken as described in paragraph (i) including:

(i) number of birds taken.

(ii) date of taking.

(iii) deaths of any birds between the first date of taking of any birds and the end of the 21-day period referred to in paragraph (i).

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