Bird flu case detected in Angus as protection and surveillance zones are put in place

A case of bird flu has been detected at a premises near Kirriemuir, Angus, the Scottish Government has confirmed.

It marks the first case of the avian illness in the country since the summer of 2023, when almost all of the 32,000 infected chickens found on one Aberdeenshire farm had to be culled.

Following the confirmation on Friday night, a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been put in place around the affected premises.

The government said the move will prevent any further spread of the disease.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was reported at the premises, according to a declaration published on the Scottish Government’s website.

The declaration states that Sheila Voas, the Chief Veterinary Officer (Scotland), formed the opinion that HPAI exists, or has existed within the previous 56 days, on the premises and has informed the Scottish Ministers of that conclusion.

The announcement was made official at 8.15pm on Friday, according to the declaration.

It adds: “The premises is Over Ascreavie House, Kingoldrum, Kirriemuir.

“The Chief Veterinary Officer (Scotland) 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.”

During the last outbreak of bird flu in Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City Council said it had collected around 100 dead birds from the city’s beach in a two-week period.

Aberdeenshire Council also reported that upwards of 300 dead birds were found on its beaches at the same time.

The Scottish Government noted that the risk to the public is “very low”, even for those who face prolonged exposure to infected birds.

A spokesperson said: “We can confirm a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) 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, carcases, 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 (APHA) 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.”