A temporary ban on events involving gatherings of poultry such as auctions and livestock fairs has been imposed following an outbreak of a dangerous strain of bird flu.
The suspension applies to gatherings across Scotland, England, and Wales of birds at higher risk of avian flu including chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese, and restricts events such as livestock fairs, auctions and bird shows.
It comes after a highly pathogenic strain of bird flu, H5N8, which has been circulating in Europe, was discovered at a turkey farm in Lincolnshire on December 16.
Defra confirmed all 2,500 birds at the farm have been destroyed, the farm has been disinfected and there have been no subsequent cases reported, though restrictions around the site remain in place.
Around 10 million turkeys are consumed in the UK at Christmas, industry experts estimate, and there is not expected to be any impact from the outbreak on supplies during the festive period.
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Rural Economy Secretary, Fergus Ewing, said the Scottish Government was working with the other UK administrations and the Animal and Plant Health Agency to prevent the further spread of the disease.
He said: “The arrival of H5N8 in the UK highlights how essential it is that bird keepers remain vigilant for signs of disease and comply with the requirements of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone currently in place. I would urge bird keepers to review their biosecurity measures to ensure that they are doing everything they possibly can to protect their flocks.”
Scotland’s chief veterinary officer, Sheila Voas, said the ban on poultry gatherings would further limit the chances of an outbreak of the disease in Scotland.
She added: “Expert advice remains that consumers should not be concerned about eating eggs or poultry and the threat to public health from the virus is very low.”