Question reference: S6W-09205
- Asked by: Beatrice Wishart, MSP for Shetland Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 17 June 2022
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Current status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 27 June 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the reported significant and ongoing impacts of HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) on Scotland’s wild birds in the last eight months, what plans it has to ensure that the relevant preparations and arrangements are in place to ensure an effective response to the current and any future outbreaks.
Answer
The UK is currently experiencing the largest outbreak of avian influenza with commercial flocks of poultry and other captive birds, as well as wild birds, affected.
The disease control response to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak is coordinated across the four UK administrations, with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) leading on triage, and testing and monitoring the spread in the UK. Dead wild bird findings (suspected of HPAI) in Scotland, England and Wales are reported to Defra’s national GB helpline. This information is then given to relevant teams in APHA to triage the collection of samples for testing, where required. The Scottish Government continues to work closely with the other UK administrations (Defra (England), the Welsh Government and DAERA (NI)) on the disease control response.
The Scottish Government is also working with a range of partner organisations to monitor and respond to the current situation where action can be taken, recognising the importance of communication and coordination in preparedness and responses.
We continually review our response planning to current and future avian influenza outbreaks based on the latest scientific advice and existing disease control measures. This includes quantifying the impacts of such outbreaks on our wild bird populations, including seabirds. We will also be identifying with partner organisations what else can be done to respond to the outbreak and improve resilience of our internationally important seabird populations.