Bird keepers urged to act following Midlothian outbreak of bird flu near Penicuik
Bird keepers and the public are being urged to act following a confirmed outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu).
The bird flu outbreak was identified near Penicuik last night, Monday, December 22, and is caused by a virus that primarily affects birds and presents a very low risk to humans and other animals.
The Scottish Government and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) have introduced new disease control zones around the premises. These zones include a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone (see map below), within which strict disease control measures now apply.
A spokesperson for Midlothian Council said: “Anyone who keeps poultry (including chickens, ducks, geese or turkeys) or captive birds (such as pigeons or birds of prey) within either zone must take action immediately.
“Bird keepers located inside the blue 3km or black 10km zones shown on the APHA interactive map must register or update their details on the Scottish Kept Bird Register without delay. This is a legal requirement, and registration must be completed by January 5, 2026.
“Bird keepers are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with the rules and biosecurity measures required within disease control zones. Information on how to spot, prevent, and report avian influenza can be found on the Scottish Government website.
“The public are reminded not to pick up or touch dead or sick wild bird and to keep pets and dogs away from them. If the public come across dead wild birds report them on the national online reporting tool for dead wild birds.”
