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Annex B Disease Control Zones

Introduction

1. The legislation provides for a number of Controlled Zones each with a set of associated controls appropriate to the level of risk in each Zone. They are:

• Protection Zone ( PZ), of minimum radius 3km from Infected Premises ( IP) - the highest risk zone with the most rigorous measures, and mandatory for HPAI and ND
• Surveillance Zone ( SZ), of minimum radius 10km from an IP - slightly lower risk but still needing careful control to stop disease spread, again mandatory for HPAI and ND
• Restricted Zone ( RZ)
• Temporary Control Zone ( TCZ)
• Temporary Movement Restriction Zone ( TMRZ)
• Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Restricted Zone ( LPAIRZ), of 1km radius from an LPAIIP, mandatory
• Avian Influenza Prevention Zone ( AIPVZ), a prevention zone, size and measures will depend on risk assessment.

2. The above Zones are available for use in the event of disease in poultry or other captive birds. Should there be a finding of the H5N1 strain in wild birds, the following Zones will/may be declared:

• Wild Bird Prevention Zone, of minimum radius 3 km from location of infected wild bird, mandatory
• Wild Bird Surveillance Zone, of minimum radius 10 km from location of infected wild bird, mandatory
• Recent EU decisions may change the terminology used from Protection Zone and Surveillance Zone to Control Area and Monitoring Area respectively.

3. When HPAI or ND is first confirmed, measures to contain and severely limit any spread of virus either by bird or other means (e.g. vehicles) will be implemented immediately in an area not less than 10 km surrounding the Infected Premises ( IP). This area will comprise a Protection Zone of minimum radius 3 km and a Surveillance Zone of minimum radius 10 km. As set out in EU Legislation the boundaries should use natural defining features, e.g. roads, rivers, railways, footpaths. The Zones will be expanded as necessary in response to any further cases of confirmed disease and the perimeter will always be at least 10 km from the nearest IP. Normally these disease containment measures applicable to the Protection Zone will continue until at least 21 days after preliminary Cleansing and Disinfection of the last Infected Premises in that particular area. Measures continue for at least 30 days in the Surveillance Zone. See Annex C for further details on disease control measures.

Local Management and Co-ordination

4. Successful management of AI/ ND controls depends on the co-operation of all the agencies involved. To achieve this co-operation, a LDCC Management Control Team will be set up immediately when AI/ ND is confirmed. It will comprise the DVM, ROD, PAO, Local Authorities ( LAs), Police, Health Boards and SEPA. Others, such as the fire brigade, may be co-opted for specific projects as the need arises. Normally this group will meet in the LDCC twice a day in the initial phase and will themselves determine the required frequency thereafter. Where more than one Local Authority or police force is involved all will be expected to participate.

5. In consultation with the LDCC Management Control Team, the ROD will set up a local stakeholders group, specifically to address issues arising from the Zone controls. Membership could include industry representatives, the Community Council, as well as some local individuals with business or other interests which might not be represented otherwise (e.g. forestry, fish farms, tourism, schools, church). The stakeholder group would meet as frequently as desired in the early phase of an outbreak and then possibly weekly, but this would be determined in light of the circumstances.

Division of Responsibilities

6. The key partners in the operation of Controlled Zones are:

• SEERAD Pentland House, Edinburgh, will ensure the legislative base and, with the NDCC, produce the formal maps defining the Infected Area and update this in response to the developing circumstances. Through the LDCC, the ROD will arrange for the notification of all public utilities, feed companies and others who may regularly visit poultry premises and farms in the area and for a press release for public information. Local radio will also be used where possible. Through the LDCC all licence for movement issues inside the PZ and SZ will be undertaken. The ROD will, on the advice of the DVM, liaise with poultry keepers to arrange for disinfectant teams to be placed at the entrances to all poultry premises; for the setting up of mobile C&D Units, and for disinfectant points, including footbaths, to be sited at the entrances to all other poultry premises. He/she will enlist the help of the Local Authority in setting up and manning these teams.

• The State Veterinary Service will provide advice and guidance to the other agencies when and where required. The SVS will provide and train personnel, and quality assure the biosecurity operations in the Infected Area. They will provide personal protective equipment ( PPE) to those who require it.

• Considerable Local Authority and Roads Department input will be required in identifying all exit points from the Controlled Zones. Local Authorities will also have a role in informing those in the area, e.g. Community Councils, schools, etc., and in monitoring and enforcing the legislative requirements.

• The Police have a key role in traffic flow and in patrolling within the Controlled Zones to ensure compliance and assist Local Authorities in checking for licences where appropriate.

• NFU Scotland, Scottish Egg Producer and Retail Association ( SEPRA), the British Egg Industry Council ( BEIC) and British Poultry Council ( BPC) will have a major role in helping to communicate information to the industry.

Resources

7. Local Authorities would also be responsible for all enforcement issues and required to participate in the LDCC Management Control Team and to consider what other local issues would need to be addressed e.g. local publicity/liaison, helpline etc.

8. SEPA should have at least one officer involved in the HPAI/ ND operations providing advice on all aspects, including Controlled Zones operations, through the LDCC Management Control Team.

Diagram of Controlled Zones

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