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Publication - Factsheet

Avian influenza (bird flu) outbreaks

Last updated
25 September 2023 - see all updates
Directorate
Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Part of
Farming and rural

Latest situation including current outbreaks and measures in place to prevent the spread of the disease.

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

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. Restrictions apply if the whole or part of your premises falls within a zone. 

Vigilance by bird keepers is important and any suspicion of disease in Scotland must be reported immediately to the local APHA Field Services office.

Current outbreaks 

 

In Lower Barvas, Isle of Lewis

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed at a second premises in Lower Barvas, Isle of Lewis on 15 September 2023.

A 3 km Protection Zone (PZ) and 10 km Surveillance Zone (SZ) were declared, which took effect from 4.50 pm on 15 September 2023. This means movement restrictions within these zones – for example, poultry, carcases, eggs, used poultry litter and manure – to prevent any further spread of disease. Further information can be found in the Declaration.

Near Tingwall, Shetland Islands

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed at a premises near Tingwall, Shetland Islands on 15 September 2023.

A 3 km Protection Zone (PZ) and 10 km Surveillance Zone (SZ) were declared, which took effect from 4.50 pm on 15 September 2023. This means movement restrictions within these zones – for example, poultry, carcases, eggs, used poultry litter and manure – to prevent any further spread of disease. Further information can be found in the Declaration. 

Near Peterhead, Aberdeenshire

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed at a premises near Peterhead, Aberdeenshire on 10 September 2023.

A 3 km Protection Zone (PZ) and 10 km Surveillance Zone (SZ) were declared, which took effect from 5:22pm on 10 September 2023. This means movement restrictions within these zones – for example, poultry, carcases, eggs, used poultry litter and manure – to prevent any further spread of disease. Further information can be found in the Declaration.

In Ness, Isle of Lewis

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed at a premises in Ness, Isle of Lewis on 25 August 2023.

A 3 km Protection Zone (PZ) and 10 km Surveillance Zone (SZ) were declared, which took effect from 6:35 pm on 25 August 2023. This means movement restrictions within these zones – for example, poultry, carcases, eggs, used poultry litter and manure – to prevent any further spread of disease. Further information can be found in the Declaration.

In Lower Barvas, Isle of Lewis

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed at a premises in Lower Barvas, Isle of Lewis, on 22 August 2023.

A 3 km Protection Zone (PZ) and 10 km Surveillance Zone (SZ) were declared, which took effect from 6:40 pm on 22 August 2023. This means movement restrictions within these zones – for example, poultry, carcases, eggs, used poultry litter and manure – to prevent any further spread of disease. Further information can be found in the Declaration.

In Lochcarron, Highland

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed at a premises in Lochcarron, Highland on 9 August 2023.

A 3 km Protection Zone (PZ) and 10 km Surveillance Zone (SZ) were declared, which took effect from 5:33 pm on 9 August 2023. This means movement restrictions within these zones – for example, poultry, carcases, eggs, used poultry litter and manure – to prevent any further spread of disease. Further information can be found in the Declaration.

Previous outbreaks - restrictions lifted

 

Incidents of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 were confirmed at premises in the following areas:

Near Forfar (second premises), Angus, on 18 August 2023, with restrictions lifted 25 September 2023.

Near Kirkcudbright (second premises), Dumfries and Galloway, on 17 August 2023, with restrictions lifted 20 September 2023.

Near Kirkcudbright (first premises), Dumfries and Galloway, on 14 August 2023, with restrictions lifted 20 September 2023.

Near Fraserburgh (third premises), Aberdeenshire, on 14 August 2023, with restrictions lifted 18 September 2023.

Near Fraserburgh (second premises), Aberdeenshire, on 14 August 2023, with restrictions lifted 18 September 2023.

​​​​​Near Stornoway, Isle of Lewis on 8 August 2023, with restrictions lifted 15 September 2023.

Near Portsoy, Aberdeenshire, on 8 August 2023, with restrictions lifted 12 September 2023.

In Peterhead, Aberdeenshire on 15 July 2023. Special category - no disease control zones applied.

Near Forres, Moray on 23 June 2023. Special categoy - no disease control zones applied.

Near Dumfries on 20 March 2023, with restrictions lifted 24 April 2023.

In Clackmannan on 24 January 2023, with restrictions lifted 17 April 2023.

Near Grantown on Spey, Highland on 24 January 2023, with restrictions lifted 5 April 2023.

Near Tain, Highland on 21 January 2023, with restrictions lifted 3 April 2023.

Near Stirling on 15 February 2023, with restrictions lifted 3 April 2023.

Near Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire on 12 January 2023, with restrictions lifted 2 April 2023.

Near Crossgates, Fife on 2 February 2023, with restrictions lifted 22 March 2023.

Near Stranraer, Wigtownshire, Dumfries and Galloway on 28 January 2023, with restrictions lifted 15 March 2023.

Near Ladybank, Fife on 22 December 2022, with restrictions lifted 8 March 2023.

Near Forfar, Angus on 29 December 2022, with restrictions lifted 2 March 2023. 

Near Crieff, Perth and Kinross on 17 December 2022, with restrictions lifted 2 March 2023. 

In Forres, Moray on 14 December 2022, with restrictions lifted 22 February 2023. 

Near Banff, Aberdeenshire 

Premises 3 (Banff) on 9 July 2023, with restrictions lifted 14 August 2023.
Premises 1 (Banff) on 18 November 2022, with restrictions lifted 1 March 2023. 
Premises 2 (Banff) on 7 December 2022, with restrictions lifted 1 March 2023. 

Near Turriff, Aberdeenshire 

Premises 1 (Turriff) on 5 November 2022, with restrictions lifted 1 March 2023. 
Premises 2 (Turriff) on 20 November 2022, with restrictions lifted 1 March 2023. 
Premises 3 (Turriff) on 27 November 2022, with restrictions lifted 1 March 2023. 

Near Cumnock, East Ayrshire on 4 November 2022, with restrictions lifted 21 December. 

Near Kirkwall, Orkney Islands on 30 October 2022, with restrictions lifted 5 December.

Near Huntly, Aberdeenshire on 29 October 2022, with restrictions lifted 6 February 2023. 

Near Tankerness, Orkney Islands on 14 October 2022, with restrictions lifted 19 November. 

On Great Bernera, Uig, Isle of Lewis on 12 October 2022, with restrictions lifted 12 November. 

Other parts of Great Britain

 

HPAI H5N1 has also been confirmed in parts of England and Wales. Find out more at:

Bird gatherings

Bird gatherings for certain species of bird remain prohibited in Scotland, England and Wales. This means gatherings are prohibited of:

  • kept galliformes (chickens, turkeys, pheasants, partridges, quails and other land fowl)
  • kept anseriformes, (ducks, geese, swans and other water fowl)
  • poultry

Organisers of all gatherings are encouraged to ensure their gathering complies with the conditions of the bird gathering general licence.

Dead bird and other wild mammal findings

Wild birds

Avian Influenza surveillance systems are in place for the reporting and monitoring of dead wild birds and certain mammalian species suspected of having been infected with avian influenza.

How to report dead wild birds.

Other wild mammal findings

If you find a dead wild mammal, suspected of having been infected with avian influenza, note where you saw the dead animal and contact your local area NatureScot Office.

As with dead wild birds, if you find a dead animal of any species, please don’t pick it up. Carcasses may present health risks and are best left alone.

Bird keepers - what you should do

Good biosecurity

Good biosecurity improves the overall health and productivity of your flock by helping keep out poultry diseases and limiting the spread of disease during an outbreak.

If you keep poultry (including game birds or as pets), you should also:

Keepers with over 500 birds

Keepers with more than 500 birds need to:

  • restrict access for non-essential personnel on their sites
  • ensure workers change clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures
  • clean and disinfect site vehicles regularly to limit the risk of disease spreading

Small flocks

Backyard owners with smaller numbers of poultry, including chickens, ducks and geese must also take steps to limit the risk of the disease spreading to their animals. This also applies if you only have a few birds as pets.

An outbreak of avian influenza in backyard poultry results in the same restrictions on movement of birds. It has the same impact on farmers and trade in poultry as an outbreak on a commercial farm would have. 

Read the small flock keepers guide to biosecurity for more information.

Posters for land managers and local authorities

Gov.uk has published posters for land managers and local authorities to warn the public that either bird flu has been detected in the area or to not risk spreading the virus.

Contact

Email: Animal.Health@gov.scot 

Related information

First published
22 February 2023
Last updated
25 September 2023 - show all updates

  1. Updated to reflect lifting of restrictions near Forfar.

  2. Updated to reflect lifting of restriction near Kirkcudbright.

  3. Updated to reflect end of Protection Zone for first premises, near Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway.

  4. Updated to reflect lifting of two surveillance zones near Fraserburgh.

  5. Updated to reflect end of protection zones at Stornoway, Isle of Lewis

  6. Updated to reflect end of protection zones at second and third premises near Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire.

  7. Near Portsoy, end of Surveillance Zone added.

  8. Added information about a confirmation of avian influenza at premises near Peterhead, Aberdeenshire.

  9. Added information re the end to the Portsoy, Aberdeenshire Protection Zone declared on 7 September 2023.

  10. Added information about a confirmation of avian influenza at premises in Ness, Isle of Lewis.

  11. Added information about a confirmation of avian influenza at premises in Lower Barvas, Isle of Lewis.

  12. Added information about a confirmation of avian influenza at premises near Forfar, Angus.

  13. Added information about a confirmation of avian influenza at second premises near Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway.

  14. Added information about a temporary control zone at premises near Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway.

  15. Added information about a confirmation of avian influenza at two premises near Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire and one near Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway.

  16. Updated to reflect restrictions lifted at third premises near Banff, Aberdeenshire.

  17. Added information about a confirmation of avian influenza at a premise in Lochcarron, Highland

  18. Added information about a confirmation of avian influenza at a premises near Stornoway, Isle of Lewis and near Portsoy, Aberdeenshire.

  19. Updated to reflect the change to a Surveillance Zone near Banff, Aberdeenshire.

  20. Updated to reflect end of Protection Zone near Banff, Aberdeenshire.

  21. Added information about a confirmation of avian influenza at a premises in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire.

  22. Added information about a confirmation of avian influenza at a premises near Banff, Aberdeenshire.

  23. Avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) across Scotland lifted.

  24. Added information about confirmation in a premises near Forres, Moray.

  25. Restrictions lifted near Dumfries. Page updated to reflect that there are no confirmed outbreaks in Scotland.

  26. Restrictions lifted in Clackmannan.

  27. Restrictions lifted near Grantown on Spey, Highland.

  28. Restrictions lifted near Tain, Highland.

  29. Restrictions lifted near Stirling.

  30. Restrictions lifted near Fraserburgh.

  31. Restrictions lifted near Crossgates, Fife.

  32. Page updated to reflect the Restricted Zone nr Dumfries and include reference to Low pathogenic avian influenza (LAPI) H7N3 being confirmed in Scotland.d.

  33. Lifted restrictions near Stranraer, Wigtownshire, Dumfries and Galloway.

  34. Lifted restrictions near Ladybank, Fife.

  35. Altered the layout so that the focus is on current outbreaks. Added a previous outbreaks section to highlight there are no restrictions in these areas.

  36. Lifted restrictions in Forfar.

  37. Lifted restrictions in Crieff.

  38. Removed surveillance zones for three cases near Turriff, Aberdeenshire.

  39. Removed surveillance zones for near Banff, Aberdeenshire.

  40. Lifted restrictions in Fraserburgh (end of Protection Zone) and Forres (end of Surveillance Zone).

  41. Lifted Protection Zone for Forres and both Banff cases.

  42. Added section for near Stirling, Stirling Local Authority Area.

  43. End of Protection Zone near Crieff, Perth and Kinross.

  44. End of Protection Zone near Forfar, Angus.

  45. End of Protection Zone and Surveillance Zone, near Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

  46. Added Protection and Surveillance Zone near Crossgates, Fife.

  47. Added Surveillance Zone near Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway.

  48. Added Surveillance Zone in Clackmannan, Clackmannanshire.

  49. Added Surveillance Zone near Grantown on Spey, Highland.

  50. Added Surveillance Zone, near Tain, Highland.

  51. Updates to second and third premises near Turriff, Aberdeenshire.

  52. Updates to Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ).

  53. Added section for near Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire.

  54. Added outbreak near Forfar, Angus.

  55. Added section for near Ladybank, Fife.

  56. End of Protection Zone and Surveillance Zone, near Cumnock, East Ayrshire.

  57. Information about dead wild mammal findings added to page.

  58. Confirmed case near Crieff, Perth and Kinross.

  59. Confirmed case in Forres, Moray.

  60. Bird gatherings general licence updated.

  61. Added information about confirmation in a second premises near Banff, Aberdeenshire.

  62. First premises near Turriff - end of protection zone. Near Kirkwall, Orkney Islands - all zones lifted.

  63. Updated Near Huntly, Aberdeenshire outbreak to reflect lifting of protection zone.

  64. Added information about confirmation in a third premises near Turriff, Aberdeenshire.

  65. Updated Kirkwall, Orkney Islands outbreak to reflect lifting of protection zone.

  66. Added section for second case near Turriff, Aberdeenshire..

  67. Updated Tankerness, Orkney Islands outbreak to reflect all zonal restrictions have been lifted.

  68. Added section for near Banff, Aberdeenshire

  69. Updated Tankerness, Orkney Islands outbreak to reflect lifting of protection zone.

  70. Updated information on Great Bernera, Uig, Isle of Lewis - Surveillance Zone lifted

  71. Added information about confirmation in a premises near Turriff, Aberdeenshire.

  72. Added information about confirmation in a premises near Cumnock, East Ayrshire.

  73. Updated Great Bernera, Isle of Lewis outbreak to reflect end of protection zone.

  74. Added section for near Kirkwall, Orkney Islands. Tidied up the page to remove last season information.

  75. Added section for near Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

  76. Latest situation and recent dead wild bird findings updated.

  77. Added section for Near Tankerness, Orkney Islands.

  78. Added text for Near Great Bernera, Uig, Isle of Lewis and minor text edits.

  79. 2022 to 2023 season commenced 1 October. Recent dead wild bird findings updated.

  80. Added Posters for land managers and local authorities section. Updated text.

  81. Updated to reflect lifting of AIPZ: whole of GB.

  82. Updated text for Birsay.

  83. Updated text for Birsay.

  84. Minor updates to text.

  85. Minor updates to text.

  86. Updated.

  87. Updated section for The Island of Whalsay, Shetland Islands.

  88. Updated to reflect latest position.

  89. Minor text amendments.

  90. Updated section for recent dead wild bird findings.

  91. Updated section for The Island of Whalsay, Shetland Islands.

  92. Added information about declaration of temporary control zones at The Island of Whalsay, Shetland Islands.

  93. Updated to reflect latest position.

  94. Amended to reflect housing measures lifted.

  95. Updated section for near Strichen, Aberdeenshire.

  96. Updated page to reflect current situation.

  97. Updated near Beith, North Ayrshire.

  98. Updated near Strichen, Aberdeenshire.

  99. Updated Near Collieston, Aberdeenshire - end of Surveillance Zone.

  100. Accordion updated.

  101. Added warning text.

  102. Updated Near Collieston, Aberdeenshire - end of protection zone.

  103. Minor update to Beith outbreak information.

  104. Update to Strichen outbreak information to add links to interactive map and local Field Services Office.

  105. Location of latest outbreak changed from Beith to Strichen.

  106. Location of latest outbreak changed from Collieston to Beith.

  107. Location of latest outbreak changed from Ellon to Collieston.

  108. Added in link to news release for 11 March outbreak.

  109. Added section for Ellon, Aberdeenshire.

  110. Updated list of Recent dead wild bird findings.

  111. Updated list of Recent dead wild bird findings.

  112. Updated list of Recent dead wild bird findings.

  113. Updated list of Recent dead wild bird findings.

  114. Added link to rapid risk assessment for premises near Inverurie.

  115. Changes following confirmed case in premises near Inverurie, Aberdeenshire.

  116. Updated to reflect lifting of all Protection and Surveillance Zones.

  117. Updated section on Annan.

  118. Updated section on Moffat.

  119. Updated sections on Gretna.

  120. Updated section on Annan.

  121. Removed PZ references to Moffat case and added link to updated Declaration.

  122. Added map showing all HPAI cases.

  123. Changes following confirmed case near Moffat, Dumfriesshire, Dumfries and Galloway.

  124. Changes following confirmed case near Annan, Dumfriesshire, Dumfries and Galloway.

  125. Added info about recent reports of cases.

  126. Link to postcode tool added re reporting non-compliance.

  127. Updates reflect ending of surveillance zone in Angus.

  128. Changes following confirmed case near Gretna, Dumfriesshire, Dumfries and Galloway

  129. Updated to reflect housing requirement.

  130. Updated to reflect surveillance zone in Angus.

  131. Updated to account for housing measures to be introduced across the UK

  132. Updated to add housing measures introduced into areas of England.

  133. Revised layout to make the page clearer.

  134. Updated to add information about case found in Frinton-on-Sea, Tendring, Essex

  135. Updated to add information about case found in Warwickshire.

  136. Updated to reflect latest position.

  137. Updated with information about bird gathering licence.

  138. Updated to reflect latest position.

  139. First published.

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