The first case of bird flu of the season has been confirmed in Scotland
Farmers and poultry keepers are being urged to step up vigilance after the UK's first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the 2026/27 reporting season was found on premises in Scotland.
The Scottish Government confirmed highly pathogenic H5N5 bird flu was discovered in commercial backyard poultry in Ness on the Isle of Lewis on October 2.
Read the latest on this year's bluetongue outbreak
A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been declared around the affected premises as authorities work to contain the disease and reduce the risk of further spread.
Over the past year, 100 cases of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza were confirmed at premises across the UK. Of those, 79 were recorded in England, nine in Scotland, seven in Wales and five in Northern Ireland.
The total was higher than the 82 highly pathogenic avian influenza cases recorded during 2024/25, although it remained well below the high of 207 seen in 2022/23.
Great Britain loses disease freedom
The first Scottish outbreak of last season was confirmed in November 2025, with subsequent cases including premises near Lanark, Blairgowrie and Penicuik. Restrictions connected with the later Scottish outbreaks were lifted by March 2026.
Great Britain self-declared freedom from highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry on May 18, while Avian Influenza Prevention Zones across England, Scotland and Wales were lifted on 4 June.
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However, a recent update from APHA said: "This is the first outbreak of the 2026 to 2027 season and following confirmation of this case, Great Britain has lost its freedom from highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) status."
The new outbreak comes as farmers across the UK are continuing to deal with bluetongue. More than 2,000 cases have been confirmed, with numbers still growing. Last week (October 2), the Scottish Government announced that the whole of Scotland was to be placed in a Bluetongue Restricted Zone from following agreement with industry.
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Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands Jim Fairlie said: "Extending the Restricted Zone to cover the whole of Scotland is a practical, sensible step that reflects the reality of the situation we now face. It recognises that bluetongue is not going away any time soon, while removing an administrative burden on farmers at what is a critical time in the trading calendar.
"This decision has been agreed with industry, who saw no reason to delay, allowing businesses time to plan accordingly. I want to thank them for their continued constructive engagement as we've worked through our response to what I know has been a very difficult time for farmers."
