Bird Flu Strikes Scotland's Largest Egg Farm

A second outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed at Glenrath Farms, Scotland's largest egg supplier, located near West Linton in the Borders. This is the fourth incident in the area since December 18, resulting in the destruction of tens of thousands of birds. Strict biosecurity measures and movement restrictions have been imposed across a wide area between Peebles and Penicuik.

Scotland's chief veterinary officer confirmed that birds at Glenrath's main egg factory, Millennium Farm, tested positive for the H5N1 strain of avian influenza on Sunday. A 1.8-mile protection zone and a 6.6-mile surveillance zone have been established, requiring bird owners within these areas to monitor their flocks and report any signs of infection. This follows previous outbreaks reported near Christmas and near Blairgowrie.

While the situation is concerning, authorities have stated that the impact on public egg supplies is limited, affecting specific producers more than the overall market. Bird flu is a seasonal winter disease, and while biosecurity measures can reduce risks, preventing spread from wild birds remains a challenge. Glenrath Farms, a family-owned business established in 1959, is a major egg producer, supplying over a million eggs daily.