McArthur appeals for local community to help tackle bird flu outbreak

Orkney's MSP, Liam McArthur, has reiterated the appeal from the Chief Veterinary Officer to all bird keepers in Orkney to take the latest outbreak of bird flu in the county seriously.

It comes as the highly pathogenic avian influenza was discovered at premises in Firth on Sunday, 30 October. This has led to the establishment of a second Protection and Surveillance Zone in Orkney, representing half of Scotland's current total.

The declaration, confirmed by Rural Affairs Secretary, Mairi Gougeon means that movement restrictions are now in place within Firth and Tankerness with the wider surveillance zone now covering all of Kirkwall and Finstown.

The UK is currently experiencing the worst ever outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza with a Prevention Zone in force across the country. This means there is a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Great Britain to follow strict biosecurity measures.

Mr McArthur said:

"Over the past year we have witnessed the devastating impact of avian flu on our wild bird populations. Unfortunately, with seasonal bird migration underway, kept birds in the county are potentially at serious risk from the highly pathogenic virus.

"I want to echo the appeal from the Chief Vet and local welfare teams for local bird keepers to remain vigilant and take seriously the legal requirements in place. This includes observing hygiene precautions for anyone entering or leaving properties, record keeping, and restrictions on the movements of birds and eggs.

"The outbreak of avian flu within a flock is costly for both bird keepers and the wider environment. It is essential we all comply with the strict measures to play our part in stamping out the risk of greater damage in the weeks ahead."