Bird flu prevention zone declared across Scotland from Tuesday 10 November

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone covering the whole of Scotland came into force at 12 noon on Tuesday 10 November 2026, making strict biosecurity measures a legal requirement for everyone who keeps birds.

Scotland's Chief Veterinary Officer declared the zone after an increase in detections of bird flu in wild and captive birds, the Scottish Government announced.

Surveillance shows the highly pathogenic bird flu virus is circulating in wild birds across the UK, and the risk to poultry and other captive birds is currently assessed as very high, according to the Scottish Government.

Why has the zone been declared?

It has been declared because cases are rising. There have been six cases of bird flu in kept birds in Great Britain this season, which runs from October to April. Two were in Scotland: one in a backyard flock on the Isle of Lewis and one at an egg producer in the Scottish Borders. The other four were in England.

Since 21 October, nine of 65 dead wild birds found in Great Britain have tested positive. The Scottish Government said there has also been an increase in outbreaks in poultry across Europe in recent weeks, including in Belgium, Germany and Norway.

What do bird keepers have to do?

Keepers must keep free-ranging birds within fenced areas and fence off ponds, watercourses and permanent standing water, except in specific circumstances such as zoo birds. They must also:

• clean and disinfect footwear and keep areas where birds live clean and tidy;
• keep movement in and out of bird enclosures to a minimum;
• clean and disinfect concrete areas and fence off wet or boggy ground;
• keep domestic ducks and geese separate from other poultry;
• make bird areas unattractive to wild birds, for example by netting ponds and removing wild bird food;
• feed and water birds in enclosed areas.

Is bird flu a risk to people?

The risk to people is very low, according to Public Health Scotland. Food Standards Scotland says bird flu poses a very low food safety risk for consumers.

Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas said: "While the risk to public health is very low, we are currently experiencing a heightened risk of an incursion of this virus from migratory birds and so it is vital that appropriate precautions are taken."

She added: "Maintaining strict biosecurity is the most effective method of protecting birds from the virus."

What should I do if I find a dead bird?

Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds, the Scottish Government advises. Bird keepers who suspect disease in their own flock should report it to their local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) field services office.

What happens next?

The prevention zone will stay in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review. Guidance for keepers is on the Scottish Government's avian influenza pages at gov.scot/avianinfluenza.