A new case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) has been confirmed at a premises in Sheshader, Isle of Lewis, Scotland.
Scotland’s chief veterinary officer has formed the opinion that bird flu exists, or has in the previous 56 days existed, on the premises.
As per protocol a 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been declared, effective from from 5:07pm yesterday (Wednesday, September 27).
This means movement restrictions within these zones – for example, poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure – to prevent any further spread of disease.
There are two other areas on the Isle of Lewis where bird flu has been found over the past several weeks, in Lower Barvas on August 22, in Ness on August 25, and at a second premises in Lower Barvas on September 15.
Bird flu was also confirmed on the Shetland Islands on September 15, and on mainland Scotland (Aberdeenshire) on September 10.
Since October 1, last year, there has been a total of 38 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza confirmed in Scotland, and one case of low pathogenic avian influenza.
There have also been numerous findings of bird flu in wild birds.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds’ (RSPB’s) Sate of Nature report has identified Scotland’s globally important seabirds has a big concern.
According to the report the population of these seabirds has declined by nearly half (49%) between 1986 and 2019 – even before “the most recent devastating impacts” of bird flu.
Commenting on the State of Nature report, Paul Walton, head of species and habitats for RSPB Scotland said: “The findings should be a further wake-up call that, despite extraordinary efforts across our society to restore ecosystems, save species and move towards nature-friendly land and sea use, there’s much more we need to do to halt and reverse the declines.”
