Poultry farmers in
Scotland have been urged to boost security after a case of bird flu was confirmed.
The National Farmers Union (NFU) Scotland said the virus, thought to have been contracted from wild birds, was found in Scotland last week.
Tests confirmed the virus was present at a farm in the Scottish Borders.
While tests were taking place, officials put in place a ban on the movement of birds on and off the premises.
The union later confirmed the case has been dealt with and restrictions that had been put in place have been lifted.
No cull is understood to have been required.
In a statement, NFU Scotland said: “Urgent message for poultry keepers.
“Low pathogenic Avian Influenza (AI), thought to have been contracted from wild birds, was confirmed in a Scottish free range laying flock at the end of last week.
“Please ensure highest levels of biosecurity at this time.”
Among recommended measures to promote biosecurity are cleaning and disinfecting vehicles and equipment that have come into contact with poultry and fencing off flocks to separate them from wild birds.
A spokesman for the union later added: “Although the case which is in the news has been dealt with, all restrictions lifted on the farm and should cause no alarm to egg producers or to consumers, it is pertinent time to remind all poultry keepers to adhere to the strict biosecurity requirements set out by the Scottish government to ensure Scottish eggs are of the highest quality, health and safety standards.
“As the laboratory results confirmed a mild strain of non-notifiable avian influenza has been found, the restrictions on the site have now been lifted.
“All the possible steps must be taken to ensure that poultry, and other captive birds, are protected against contact with wild birds.
“It is important to avoid the transfer of contamination into and between premises and to minimise the movement of people, vehicles and equipment to areas where captive birds are kept.”
Bird owners are advised to perform regular health checks and report any signs of disease to a vet.
A Scottish government spokesman said: “We are aware of a case of avian influenza on a premise in Scotland following routine investigations.
“Laboratory results have confirmed a mild strain of non-notifiable avian influenza has been found.
“Given the results, the restrictions on the site have now been lifted.”
In December, all 27,000 birds at a commercial poultry farm in Suffolk were culled after a number were found to have the H5 strain of avian flu, identified as “low pathogenic”.Related... There's Been A Bird Flu Outbreak – What's The Risk To Humans? Strain Of Bird Flu Detected At Chicken Farm In Suffolk, Officials Confirm Queen’S Swans Hit By Bird Flu Virus