An outbreak of bird flu has been reported at a premises in Angus, Scotland, as announced by the country’s chief veterinary officer. On Friday night, Sheila Voas revealed that a 3km protection zone has been set up around the site in Kirriemuir, after highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected. A 10km surveillance zone has also been established. The affected premises, as stated in the Scottish Government’s declaration, is Over Ascreavie House, Kingoldrum, Kirriemuir. The restrictions implemented prevent the movement of poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter, and manure to curb the spread of the disease.
A declaration, signed by Ms. Voas and published on the Scottish Government’s website, confirmed the official announcement at 8:15pm. It added: “The Chief Veterinary Officer has formed the opinion that highly pathogenic avian influenza exists, or has in the previous 56 days existed, on premises and has informed the Scottish Ministers of that conclusion.” This marks the first case of the illness in Scotland since the summer of 2023, when Ms. Voas reported that “almost all” of the 32,000 infected chickens on a farm in Aberdeenshire had to be culled in July. During the same period, Aberdeen City Council collected around 100 dead birds from the city’s beach, while Aberdeenshire Council reported finding over 300 dead birds on its beaches.
The Scottish Government emphasized that the risk to the public is “very low,” even for those with prolonged exposure to infected birds. A spokesperson stated: “We can confirm a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected at a premises near Kirriemuir, Angus. This is the first case in Scotland since 2023. “A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been placed around the infected premises, meaning the application of movement restrictions within these zones, such as poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure, to prevent any further spread of disease. “Keepers of poultry and other captive birds in Scotland are advised to remain vigilant for signs of the disease and reminded they have a legal requirement to immediately report any suspicion of disease in Scotland to the local Animal and Plant Health Agency Field Services Office. “The risk to the general public’s health from avian influenza is still very low and is considered low for people with intensive exposure to infected birds. Food Standards Scotland advises that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for consumers.”
