THE surveillance zone in place to halt the spread of highly-pathogenic avian influenza in Clackmannan has been lifted.

The Scottish Government announced the restrictions would be removed in a statement released last week, having been in force for almost three months.

The statement, released on the Scottish Government’s website, reads: “At 7:50pm on January 24, 2023, the Scottish Ministers declared, in accordance with article 31 (1) of the Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (Scotland) Order 2006 (“the Order), with immediate effect, a Surveillance Zone.

“At least 30 days have elapsed since the completion of all infected premises within the Zone declared of the preliminary cleaning and disinfection measures referred to in Part 2 of schedule 3 of the Order.

“The Scottish Ministers declare, under article 34 (3) of the Order, the end of the Surveillance Zone described in Annex 2 to the Declaration of 24 January 2023.

“The Declaration of Infected Premises and Surveillance Zone made by Scottish Ministers on 24 January is revoked.”

The 3km control zone covered the whole of Clackmannan and extended to Kennet in the east and parts of Alloa and Sauchie in the west.

This was put into place after a confirmed case of the H5N1 strain of avian flu was detected at premises on Mayfield Crescent, Clackmannan.

The surveillance zone meant that poultry and bird keepers had to contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to record the birds they were storing and transporting.

Biosecurity measures were also made mandatory for bird keepers, including the cleansing and disinfection of vehicles to reduce the spread.

Bird keepers were prohibited from allowing bird gatherings or releasing game birds.

Whilst in rare cases avian flu can spread to humans, the H5N1 strain does not infect people easily and is not usually spread from human to human.

The NHS had said several people had been infected around the world, leading to a number of deaths and prompting the surveillance zone.

The NHS website advises people to be wary of avian fly symptoms – high temperature, aching muscles, headaches, cough or shortness of breath.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms is urged to call NHS 111.