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Section 5 - Response to Finding High Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds
45. Much of this Contingency Plan concerns the response to Avian Influenza ( AI) being found in domestic poultry though the disease could also be introduced by migrating birds. In such a situation the primary response would be to enhance the surveillance of domestic poultry and wild birds in the area (to establish whether the finding was an isolated case) and encourage heightened biosecurity. Surveillance would be led by the State Veterinary Service ( SVS). The general public would also be informed, particularly explaining any public health implications and that the risk of catching it comes from very close contact with infected birds, especially with faecal matter.
46. As noted earlier in the Plan any finding of AI is likely to lead to an immediate requirement for the housing of poultry. In the specific case of H5N1 being found in wild birds, the requirements of the Avian Influenza (H5N1 in Wild Birds) (Scotland) Order 2006 ( SSI 2006 No 196, as amended by 2006 No 237) would apply. Recent EU Regulations require the declaration of a 3km Control Area and a 10km Monitoring Area, within which movement restrictions apply, and hunting and poultry gatherings are banned.
47. There will be no requirement to cull birds - domestic or wild - in proximity to the identified finding. Such steps are not considered to be a proportionate an effective disease control response. In wild birds such actions could lead to a further spread of disease by encouraging other infected birds to disperse, carrying virus with them.
48. There would be no requirement for the countryside to close, since the risk of the disease being spread by recreational access in the countryside is generally very small. The risk of humans catching Avian Influenza can be eliminated by avoiding direct contact and by taking sensible hygiene precautions. Within the provisions of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and following detailed information provided at the time, land managers will receive advice on the specific disease situation implications from the SVS and the Scottish Executive. In line with that advice land managers will be able to make local arrangements for responding to the finding. The presumption would remain that the countryside is kept open. (See also Annex G on Access).
49. In considering the situation the Scottish Executive would be supported by an ornithological experts group, which will be convened on confirmation of disease in the UK.
Ornithological Experts Group - Remit
To provide the Scottish Executive with expert ornithological advice, particularly in the terms of the format of additional surveillance and the implementation of measures to minimise disturbance to wild birds.
Membership
Chaired by the Animal Health and Welfare Division it would include the Chief Ecological Adviser, the SVS, Scottish Natural Heritage, British Association for Shooting and Conservation, RSPB, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, British Trust for Ornithology (Scotland), Game Conservancy Trust, Scottish Agricultural Science Agency and the Scottish SPCA.
The Group would also be called upon in the event that HPAI was to be identified in a flyway which includes the UK. It is expected that the Group would advise on any specific targeted surveillance that may be needed in Scotland. It would not be expected to be called upon in the event that LPAI was found.
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