Avian Influenza Prevention Zone Checklist (Scotland)
This is a check list designed to assist all bird keepers (commercial or hobby) in complying with the measures required by the Prevention Zone which comes into force at 00:01 on 28 February 2017.
This completed form may be retained and could be used as partial evidence provided to representatives from APHA or Local Authorities if they call upon the property to check compliance.
Name of Farm or Business: Address:
Contact Tel / Mobile No.:
CPH ref. (if applicable)
Name: _______________________________________
Date: ___________________
Signed: ________________________________________
Actively discourage wild birds from landing on the range area
This can be done with nets, cages, decoy predators, foot patrols etc and should be started well in advance of letting your birds out onto the range. Inspect your range and remove any obvious wild bird contaminants.
This should be done prior to letting your birds out onto the range, and routinely thereafter. A range is the area of land accessible by poultry or captive birds when they are not housed.
Obvious contaminants include faeces and feathers.
Net over ponds and drain waterlogged areas of the range
If this is not possible, then you can fence the area off from your birds or use an alternative field.
Long term, it may be beneficial to fill in ponds on your range and take steps to prevent any areas becoming continually wet and muddy, as they are very attractive to wild birds.
Remove any feeders and water stations from the range Feeding and watering should take place in sheltered areas which will not attract wild birds and will sufficiently prevent their access.
Regularly inspect housing/nets/cages for signs of wild bird/rodent access Ensure rodent controls are effective and ensure that the housing, feed storage and food provision areas are not accessible by wild birds or rodents.
Use dedicated footwear when accessing bird areas and install boot dips at entrances to all bird areas
Offer disinfection baths at all farm entrances/exits and bird area entrances.
Refer to the list of approved disinfectants to ensure effective compliance.
If you keep a variety of bird types, keep domestic waterfowl (ducks, geese etc) and poultry separate
This can be done with cages or fencing and must feature good biosecurity between the areas – no shared feed or water, boot dips used at all entry/exit points Reduce movements of people, vehicles or equipment into or out of bird areas and prevent unnecessary/accidental access
This helps to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products. Identify which areas should be restricted to essential visitors only.
Cleanse and disinfect equipment and vehicles prior to entry onto and exit from premises Reasonable precautions must be taken to avoid transfer of contaminated material on and off site. Refer to the list of approved disinfectants.
Routinely cleanse and disinfect equipment used in bird areas Housing and equipment should be thoroughly cleaned at the end of any production cycle. Refer to the list of approved disinfectants.
Guidance Notes
The avian influenza virus can survive in faeces and other contaminated material for up to 50 days. Therefore, if wild birds have had access to your birds’ outdoor areas while they have been housed, you need to take steps as soon as possible to reduce contamination. These could include:
Inspect your range and remove any obvious wild bird contaminants – Obvious contaminants include faeces and feathers.
Consider what bird deterrents you can use on your range – decoy predators or other livestock (such as sheep or cattle), allowing dogs to accompany you on foot patrols around the range. You could also consider bird scarers if their use is appropriate for the area (see NFU Code of Practice on bird scarers)
Consider increasing the number of shelters on the range area
Ensure your birds’ water isn’t from outdoor water reservoirs which are accessible to or used by wild birds – use tap water if possible.
Report incidents of dead wild birds – where any ‘at risk’ bird species (wildfowl or gulls), birds of prey or five or more birds of any other species, are found dead in the same location and at the same time, contact the national helpline 03459 335577 (Mon-Fri 8 am to 6 pm) or email defra.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk
You may wish to consult your private veterinary surgeon to assess the risks of disease incursion specific to your premises and the practical steps you can take to reduce them.
Only approved disinfectants should be used and dispensed in accordance with specified dilution rates and labelling instructions. The list of approved disinfectants for use across GB is available from: http://disinfectants.defra.gov.uk/DisinfectantsExternal/Default.aspx?Module=ApprovalsList_SI
SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) approval is not required when using approved disinfectants, however, appropriate pollution prevention measures must be followed in all cases to stop excessive uncontrolled disinfectant run off. Disinfectants must not be applied close to drinking water supplies or surface water. If unsure, please contact SEPA for advice.
Bird health should be closely monitored; highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) can develop suddenly and with high mortality. Changes in behaviour, feed or water intake could indicate early signs of disease, however, some bird species (such as ducks, geese and pigeons) display few or no clinical signs. Typical clinical signs include:
- swollen head blue discoloration of neck and throat
- loss of appetite and increased mortality
- respiratory distress such as gaping beak
- coughing, sneezing or gurgling
- diarrhoea
- drop in egg production
If you see any of the above signs it is recommended that you consult your private veterinary surgeon immediately.
Further advice and guidance is available from the Scottish Government website:
www.gov.scot/avianinfluenza
