New restrictions on movement of poultry following sixth outbreak of bird flu
New restrictions are being imposed on the movement of poultry, and other captive birds, in the Scottish Borders.
It follows the discovery of another outbreak of bird flu at Easter Deans and Blairburn farm, near West Linton.
It's the sixth in the area in the last six weeks, and follows two recent outbreaks at nearby Millennium Farm.
According to Scotland's Chief Veterinary Officer, the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of the virus was also discovered at Kingside Farm, near Leadburn, on Christmas Eve; Halls Farm, near Penicuik - close to the boundary between Midlothian and the Scottish Borders - on December 22nd; and another at Whim Poultry Farm, near West Linton, on December 18th - home to one of Scotland's biggest egg producers, Glenrath Farms.
Scottish Borders Council revealed "a significant number of dead birds had been found".
A 3km protection zone has been put in place around the site of the latest outbreak, in addition to a 10km surveillance zone.
Biosecurity measures and movement restrictions have been in place across much of the area between Peebles and Penicuik since initial cases of avian influenza were confirmed just before Christmas.
And signs have been placed on the A703 warning motorists they are entering an animal disease control zone.
A statement released by Scottish Borders Council states: "If you keep poultry (chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese etc) or captive birds (pigeons, birds of prey etc) in either of the blue 3km or black 10km control zones shown on the APHA (Animal and Plant Agency) website, please update your details or register on the Scottish Kept Bird Register immediately. This is a legal requirement."
It adds: "If you have any concerns about the health of your birds and think they could have bird flu, please contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on 03000 600 704."
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/