Avian influenza (bird flu) outbreaks

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been present in Scotland and in other parts of the UK.

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ)

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across Scotland was lifted on 4 July 2023. Further information can be found in this Declaration.

It followed a risk assessment, where the level of risk associated with highly pathogenic avian influenza to poultry and other captive birds was reduced to low.

Things to remember:

• although the risk of bird flu to poultry and other captive birds has been reduced in Scotland, low risk does not mean no risk, and keepers are encouraged to continue implementing strong biosecurity measures, as infection is still present in the environment and amongst wild birds
• good biosecurity remains critical and the measures that were included in the AIPZ are considered best practice all year around
• maintain as much separation between poultry/captive birds and wild birds as possible. Contact between your birds and gull species is a particular risk at this time
• it remains mandatory to report all suspect cases of notifiable avian disease to your local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Office and keepers must remain vigilant

Cases and disease control zones

There are currently confirmed outbreaks in Scotland.

You can check where disease control zones are located and if you are in a zone on the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) interactive map.

More information available here