Avian Flu: A Message from NFUS

Do you have your own small flock of hens in your back garden or small holding?

We would like to make you aware of the current threat from Avian Influenza (bird flu) to domestic and wild birds.  As you may have seen on the news, this is a devastating disease and in order to tackle the disease, all flock owners in Scotland – large and small – must house their poultry and adhere to biosecurity measures. Find further information HERE.

This means all bird keepers, whether you only have one or two hens or thousands, must keep birds indoors and follow strict biosecurity measures to limit the spread and eradicate the disease. Unfortunately, non-compliance with the housing order remains commonplace in backyard or garden flocks and that places the whole Scottish poultry industry is put at an unacceptable risk.

In addition you may see dead birds when out on a walk in the countryside or near lochs or the sea at the moment. We can play a part in tackling this devastating disease, and should you be out taking a walk,  if you find a single dead swan, goose, or duck; a single dead bird of prey, or five or more dead wild birds of any other species including gulls, then you should report them to Defra’s national telephone helpline: 03459 33 55 77 (and select option 7).

Scotland’s farmers and crofters appreciate your help in protecting the supplies of Scottish poultry and eggs.