Exclusion zone around Angus premises as presence of Bird Flu confirmed

A 3km exclusion zone has been implemented at the premises near Forfar.

Confirmation was made on Thursday (December 29), following a veterinary investigation into a report of a notifiable avian disease by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

This virus primarily affects birds and presents a very low risk to humans and other animals.

Scottish Ministers have declared the premises as infected premises and implemented a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone.

Local Environmental Protection Officers have joined with APHA colleagues in contacting local residents who keep poultry and/or other birds and strict national guidelines are being followed in support of APHA while the case is dealt with.

Please check the interactive map of the affected area by visiting https://www.gov.scot/publications/avian-influenza-outbreaks/

If you live within the affected area and keep poultry or other birds, be aware that restrictions are in place and please contact APHA immediately with your contact details via –

[email protected] or 03000 600 709 (choose Option 1)

APHA will go through a brief questionnaire with you and provide you with more detailed information, if required, to help protect your birds from the virus and what the next steps are.

Meanwhile, the public is being urged to play its part in helping to prevent the spread of the infection while out and about in the county.

While bird flu remains an issue it’s really important to follow this advice:-

· Don't pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds

· Keep pets/dogs away from any dead or sick birds

· Don't feed wild waterfowl

· Don't touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings

· If you keep poultry or other birds, wash your hands and clean and disinfect your footwear before tending to your birds

There is more information on avian influenza at https://www.gov.scot/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu/

An Angus Council spokesperson said: “Your help is required to ensure that the disease does not spread, the birds you and others keep are protected and that normal conditions can be returned to as soon as possible.”