Publication - Advice and guidance
Avian influenza (bird flu): how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of avian influenza.
1 page PDF
1.3 MB
Biosecurity
Biosecurity means simple procedures or steps you can take to prevent disease. The risk of bird flu in the UK from wild birds never disappears completely so it is essential that bird keepers maintain effective biosecurity all year round. An outbreak of bird flu in a small hobby or backyard flock can have an impact on the commercial poultry sector through both the introduction of movement restrictions and temporary loss of exports with other countries.
Biosecurity guidance for all bird keepers
Read the biosecurity guidance below, which includes details of measures that should be taken in an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone. Complete the biosecurity self-assessment checklist to ensure you are complying with the mandatory biosecurity requirements.
- biosecurity and preventing welfare impacts in poultry and captive birds (published jointly by the Scottish Government, Defra, and the Welsh Government)
- biosecurity self-assessment checklist
There are simple actions that can be taken to help reduce the chance of your birds becoming infected. A variety of further guidance is available:
- poultry businesses should ensure that their contingency plans are up to date
- gamebird keepers should read the advice published on the Game Farmers' Association website
- advice on Government approved disinfectants
Resources
- Top tips for avian biosecurity
- Biosecurity information for all bird keepers
- A small flock keeper's guide to biosecurity
- Avian influenza flooding risk image
- AIPZ – essential biosecurity and housing requirements for keepers of ducks, geese and gamebirds
- AIPZ – essential biosecurity and housing requirements for chicken and turkey keepers
Contact
Email: AHWContingencyPlanning@gov.scot
Animal Health and Welfare
Scottish Government
Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Saughton House
Edinburgh