A 10km surveillance zone has been imposed in the highlands after a confirmed bird flu outbreak near inverness.

Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Sheila Voas, has confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a premises near Inverness, prompting strict containment measures to prevent further spread.

Scottish Ministers have been informed, and authorities have enforced a 3km protection zone around the infected site in Daviot and Scatraig, alongside a 10km surveillance zone extending north to Inverness and south to Brinmore.

The affected premises, Tigh na Drochaid in Daviot, has been placed under strict biosecurity regulations, with poultry movement restrictions in place to limit potential contamination.

Under the new restrictions:

• The movement of poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter, and manure is banned.
• The premises must maintain records of poultry numbers, illness, and deaths.
• Fairs, markets, and exhibitions involving poultry are prohibited within the protection zone.
• Vehicles used to transport poultry or contaminated materials must undergo cleansing and disinfection.

In the wider surveillance zone, all poultry keepers must follow biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.

Though avian flu is not considered a direct threat to humans, officials advise the public not to touch dead or dying birds.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further outbreaks, urging all poultry keepers in the affected areas to comply with strict biosecurity protocols.