Newcastle disease confirmed in Scotland
Government vets have confirmed an outbreak of Newcastle Disease in grey partridge on a farm in Fenton Barns, The Scottish Executive, DEFRA and State Veterinary Service are now trying to determine the source of the disease and the level of risk it may pose to commercial poultry. Restrictions have been put in place and about 14,000 birds, mainly grey partridge, on the farm have been culled in line with EU requirements. A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been established. Within the 3km protection zone, all poultry must be housed and strict biosecurity measures employed, said DEFRA. Throughout both areas the movements of poultry, captive birds, racing pigeons and hatching eggs are restricted and may only be moved under licence. The last