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Avian flu protection zone established in Grantown





An Avian influenza protection zone has been established in Grantown after a couple with a pet flock of hens called in a DEFRA inspector.

“We noticed they were beginning to die,” their owner Gordon Bulloch at The Dulaig in Seafield Avenue, told the Strathy yesterday.

Mr and Mrs Bulloch's hens before the disease struck.
Mr and Mrs Bulloch's hens before the disease struck.

The case was first reported on Sunday, January 15 by Mr Bulloch and the tests taken have now proved positive for avian flu.

“We were not aware that many wild birds can be carriers – they don’t even necessarily exhibit symptoms themselves but pass on the disease.

“My wife and I recognise and are sorry about the major impact that this outbreak will have on poultry keepers affected by any restrictions.

“It is clear that avian flu is becoming endemic in many wild bird species and consequently increasing the frequency of infection of domestic poultry. Given to extremely fast response to development of Covid vaccines, it is a pity that more has not been done to develop effective vaccines for avian flu.”

Mr Bulloch added: “After serving us so well, our lovely free-range hens were obviously vulnerable. We had 14 and have lost all of them. I think it will be a long time before we have any more.

“The veterinary inspector went through with us the Government protocols which are extremely thorough and complex. However, I must stress that all the people we have dealt with at APHA including the Veterinary Inspector and the persons assisting her and Public Health Highland, have throughout been very polite in their approach to managing this avian flu outbreak.

“I appreciate that the Inspector has strict protocols to which she has to work, but the approach that she has taken to date has been as reasonable and as sensitive as possible given the circumstances and the law.”

The Bullochs ran a popular guest house for 14 years but decided towards the end of last year to retire, informing their customers via Christmas cards.

The Dulaig, in Grantown
The Dulaig, in Grantown

The warning notice delivered to The Dulaig stated: “The Chief Veterinary Officer (Scotland) has formed the opinion that highly pathogenic avian influenza exists, or has in the previous 56 days existed, on premises and has informed the Scottish ministers of that conclusion.”

It was immediately effective.

A three kilometre Protection Zone (PZ) and 10km Surveillance Zone (SZ) were declared and took effect from 5.55pm on Tuesday.

This means movement restrictions within these zones – for example, poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure – to prevent any further spread of disease.

Birds infected with the most serious strain of bird flu usually show signs including sudden death, swollen head, closed and runny eyes, lethargy and depression.

The latest locations of outbreaks and more details can be found online


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