Home / Environment / Bird Flu Outbreak Shuts Down Major European Poultry Farm
Bird Flu Outbreak Shuts Down Major European Poultry Farm
22 Dec
Summary
- A two-mile protection zone is active at Glenrath Farms' Whim Poultry Farm.
- Suspected avian flu cases are also reported in wild geese in the Highlands.
- Bird keepers are urged to report any signs of illness in their flocks.
Measures have been enacted around one of Europe's largest poultry operations following a bird flu outbreak. A two-mile protection zone is now in place at Glenrath Farms' Whim Poultry Farm, located near West Linton in the Scottish Borders. Scotland's chief veterinary officer has also called for a six-mile surveillance zone as part of containment efforts.
In parallel, suspected avian flu cases have been identified among wild geese at RSPB Scotland's Insh Marshes reserve in the Highlands. Bird keepers in the affected Borders region are urged to monitor their flocks closely and report any signs of illness promptly. The conservation charity highlighted key symptoms like lethargy and loss of balance in affected birds.
Authorities advise the public to avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds and to clean footwear thoroughly after visiting natural reserves. While the risk to humans from the current H5N1 strain is considered low, bird migration has historically contributed to outbreaks. Past large-scale outbreaks, such as the 2021-22 event, saw significant losses in bird populations.
