Another large-scale bird flu outbreak in Aberdeenshire has killed 1,000 hens. The current outbreak on a Fraserburgh farm is the seventh large-scale occurrence of avian flu in the Banff and Buchan region in the last seven years.
Biosecurity on the farm site is reported to be poor, reports Aberdeen Live. The ongoing avian influenza outbreak has devastated North East bird populations, hitting farms and historic sites such as Fyvie Castle.
Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid, who held a meeting last month with Scotland’s chief veterinary officer over concerns about the high number of cases in his area, said: “It’s extremely worrying to hear of another avian flu outbreak in Aberdeenshire during such a turbulent time for the industry.
“This is now the seventh large scale case in Banff and Buchan and highlights this deadly disease isn’t going away. I recently met with Scotland’s chief vet, Sheila Voas, to outline my concerns about the situation and the detrimental impact it is having on poultry farmers across my constituency.
“It’s therefore imperative the Scottish Government considers all options to safeguard our area against further outbreaks.”
In a letter to Mr Duiguid Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands Mairi Gougeon said: “The most important message to all keepers, regardless of whether they keep a backyard flock, or run a large commercial enterprise, is that the biosecurity measures laid out in the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) are not only mandatory, but are the best way of protecting flocks and, indeed, in maintaining food supplies this winter.”
These measures include taking precautions to avoid the transfer of the virus between premises or parts of premises where poultry or other captive birds are kept, such as cleansing and disinfection of equipment, vehicles and footwear.
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