BIRD FLU has been discovered in Dumfries and Galloway, after a peregrine falcon tested positive for H5N8 avian influenza, the first recorded Scottish incident of the current UK outbreak.

Since last week, two other cases have also been detected in wild birds, in Somerset and Leicestershire, highlighting the spread of the disease throughout the UK.

There are fears that the disease may now be spreading into housed poultry, and producers have again been reminded to be vigilant, and keep housed birds separate from wild birds, and ensure they are maintaining biosecurity measures.

It is also believed that increased rainfall, like that seen during Storms Barbara and Connor, can increase the risk of contamination in housed birds, due to water run-off emerging into bird enclosures and coming into close contact with poultry.

Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy Fergus Ewing said: “With the recent disease confirmations in both England and Wales, it is not unexpected for Avian Influenza to be found in a wild bird here in Scotland.

“We have already made clear that all bird keepers – whether major businesses or small keepers with just a few birds – must ensure that their biosecurity is up to scratch and prevent any contact between their birds and wild birds."

Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Sheila Voas, added: “This case of H5N8 in a falcon in Dumfries and Galloway confirms that Avian Influenza is present in wild birds in Scotland. This underlines the crucial importance of bird keepers and members of the public remaining vigilant for signs of disease in domestic or wild birds.

“Any dead wild swans, geese, ducks or gulls, falcons or other birds of prey, or five or more dead wild birds of other species in the same location, should be reported to the Defra helpline, details of which are available on the gov.scot website.

“I would also remind all keepers that they must enhance their biosecurity and protect their birds from disease. Keepers who are concerned about the health or welfare of their flock should seek veterinary advice immediately.

"Your private vet, or your local Animal and Plant Health Agency office, will also be able to provide practical advice on keeping your birds safe from infection. 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," she added.

A spokesman for NFU Scotland said: “The spread of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza across the country makes this an extremely worrying time for Scotland’s poultry keepers. Whether your poultry flock is large or small, we urge you to ensure your biosecurity measures to protect the health of your flock are as robust as possible.

"Given the spread of the disease in wild birds, flock owners must continue to comply with the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone. An extension of this prevention zone beyond its scheduled closure on January 6 now looks to be a logical requirement, given the level of disease.

“Scottish poultry keepers are well-briefed on biosecurity measures, and good practice regarding the threat of HPAI, but given the continued spread of this disease in the wild bird population, vigilance must be heightened.

“And we also call on the Scottish public to also play their part,|" said the union. "Stand by Scottish poultry producers, as the expert advice is that consumers have no reason to be concerned about eating eggs or poultry meat.”