Bird keepers must follow new avian flu rules

From 12 noon on Tuesday 10 November, all bird keepers in Scotland must follow strict biosecurity measures under a Scotland-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone declared by the Chief Veterinary Officer. The rules include keeping free-ranging birds within fenced areas, fencing off ponds and standing water, feeding and watering birds in enclosed areas, and registering birds on the Scottish Kept Bird Register. Public Health Scotland says the risk to public health is very low, and Food Standards Scotland says properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat. The zone stays in place until further notice.

Why it matters locally. The legal requirements apply to keepers in Dunfermline as they do across the rest of Scotland.