Bird flu has been detected in Renfrewshire

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Avian flu has been detected in Renfrewshire as a prevention zone is established at one of the area’s beauty spots.Renfrewshire Council confirmed yesterday that the H5N1 strain of the virus was confirmed in a bird which had been found dead at Castle Semple Loch in Lochwinnoch.Public Health Scotland describes the H5N1 strain as a subtype of avian flu “most associated with illness in humans”.A multitude of agencies have warned people across Renfrewshire to be wary of the spread of the virus and to take simple steps to keep themselves safe while enjoying the countryside.The news comes just two weeks after the Scottish Government declared the whole country an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ).That followed the discovery of an outbreak of a highly pathogenic avian influenza on premises near Kirriemuir in Angus on January 10.

A 10km control and surveillance zone has been created around this site.A spokesperson for the council said: “A case of H5N1 avian influenza has been confirmed in a wild bird at Castle Semple Loch in Lochwinnoch.

We are following national guidance and are issuing public communications to inform people avian flu has been detected.“If people visit the area, they are advised to keep to footpaths with dogs on leads, not to pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds, wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird dropping to avoid spreading the disease.

If people keep poultry, or other birds, they should wash hands, clean and disinfect footwear before tending to the birds.“If anyone finds a dead wild bird, please report them to Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 or report it online on the UK Government website.”The nationwide prevention zone introduces strict biosecurity measures for all bird