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Bird flu warning
14/11/2007
Scottish poultry keepers were today urged to maintain good biosecurity measures and remain vigilant for signs of disease following the confirmation of avian influenza (H5N1) in Suffolk.
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said:
"While there are no immediate implications for Scotland, all those involved in the industry must maintain good levels of biosecurity and report any suspicion to the Animal Health agency immediately.
"H5N1 remains largely a disease of birds and cannot easily be contracted by humans. Generally the only people to be affected are those in very close contact with infected birds or their faeces.
"This outbreak could potentially have serious implications for the industry and, for that reason, a ban on bird gatherings has been put in place across Great Britain as a precaution.
"As the Scottish islands are a separate epidemiological unit, bird gatherings will be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to veterinary risk assessment and appropriate licence. We will review the need for the ban in mainland Scotland as further information becomes available and will ease restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so."
Avian influenza is a notifiable disease of birds and is characterised by:
- respiratory distress, dullness, swollen heads, a blue colouration of the comb and wattles, lack of appetite, diarrhoea and significant drop in egg production
- the disease presents suddenly, often with very high mortality, however there can be considerable variation in the clinical picture and severity
- anybody suspecting disease must report this immediately to Animal Health by contacting their local Animal Health Office