A leading poultry farmer has called for tougher measures to protect Scottish flocks after an outbreak of bird flu was confirmed at a farm in East Yorkshire.
John Retson, a former chairman of the British Free Range Egg Producers Association, said action was needed to prevent a spread of the infection into Scotland.
As poultry farmers across the country were warned to be extra vigilant, Mr Retson stressed that the risk of the infection spreading north of the border should not be taken lightly.
“They are saying that there is a low risk, but that is still a risk and there’s obviously a real risk in Yorkshire right now.”
Mr Retson, based at Blairgowrie, added: “What we need is a derogation to limit access to our flocks and prevent them from mixing with wild birds.
“It is too early to say exactly what caused this outbreak and until we know for sure we need to be doing all we can to prevent new cases.
“If we can get past today and tomorrow without any other outbreaks, then that will be a godsend.”
A six-mile exclusion zone has been set up around the affected farm near Driffield, where around 6,000 ducks are being culled.
Vets are investigating whether the case of avian flu could be linked to a similar outbreak in the Netherlands, although it is not thought to be the notorious H5N1 strain which has killed hundreds of people across the world.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said the Scottish Government was “closely monitoring” the situation.
Scotland’s chief vet Sheila Voas said: “As always, all poultry keepers should continue their efforts to maintain high levels of biosecurity and monitor their birds for any signs of disease.”
It is believed that the outbreak, near the village of Nafferton, was likely to be linked to migratory birds possibly swans heading south for the winter.
Scotland’s National Farmers’ Union said its members were keeping a close eye on the situation.