Bird flu outbreak found at Scots poultry farm sparking 3km lockdown by health chiefs

A Scots poultry farm has been locked down by health chiefs after a highly pathogenic strain of bird flu was discovered.

A 3km exclusion zone has been put in place around Woodlea Poultry Farm, near Dunfermline, Fife, following the confirmed case on Thursday afternoon.

An additional 10km surveillance zone has also been implemented to help prevent the spread of the deadly disease, which has been blighting Scotland and the rest of the UK for several months.

It's not currently known how many birds have been affected at the farm, which sits on the outskirts of Crossgates.

The Scottish Government’s Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed the latest outbreak and listed a haul of restrictions placed on the farm.

In a statement, they said: “Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed at a premises near Crossgates, Fife on 2 February 2023.

© Scottish Government Exclusion and surveillance zones have been introduced

“A 3km Protection Zone (PZ) and 10km Surveillance Zone (SZ) were declared, which took effect from 5:05pm on 2 February 2023.

“This means movement restrictions within these zones – for example, poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure – to prevent any further spread of disease. You are in a PZ or SZ if the whole or part of your premises falls within the 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.”

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