CnES Consumer & Environmental Services

14/10/2026

Our latest high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) disease report for Great Britain and Europe is now available.

👉 avian influenza continues to be detected in wild birds and poultry in parts of Europe
👉 the risk of avian influenza in wild birds in Great Britain has increased from LOW to MEDIUM
👉 the risk to poultry remains LOW to VERY LOW, depending on biosecurity, although uncertainty has increased where biosecurity is less stringent

Everyone has a part to play in protecting poultry and other kept birds from avian influenza. Follow stringent biosecurity measures and read the full report: 👇
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac39e7b11ed58342ad8e491/HPAI_Europe__10_September_2026.pdf

07/10/2026

🐦 Do You Keep Birds? Make Sure You're Registered! 🐦

In light of the ongoing risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), all bird keepers are reminded that it is a legal requirement to register their birds on the Scottish Kept Bird Register (SKBR). This applies even if you keep just one bird.

✅ You must register if you keep:

Poultry (hens, ducks, geese, turkeys and other domestic fowl)
Pet birds
Racing pigeons
Birds of prey
Game birds
Waterfowl
Birds in rehabilitation centres or zoos

❌ The only exceptions are certain parrots, budgies, finches and other perching birds that are kept entirely indoors or in fully enclosed aviaries with no outdoor access. If these birds are taken outdoors for exercise, training or similar activities, they must be registered.

Registering helps the Scottish Government and APHA contact bird keepers quickly during disease outbreaks, provide important biosecurity advice and support disease control measures.

Registration is free and can be completed online via the link in the comments section below:

06/10/2026

‼️ Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N5 was confirmed in Ness on the Isle of Lewis on 2 October 2026.‼️

There is more information and useful links in the comments section below ⬇️

03/10/2026

‼️ Avian influenza Protection and Surveillance Zones ‼️

The Scottish Ministers have declared Avian influenza Protection and Surveillance Zones around Ness, in the Isle of Lewis.

Full details of the zones and the restriction and surveillance measures in place are available on the Scottish Government website in the link in the comments ⬇️

02/10/2026

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N5 has been confirmed at a premises in Ness, Isle of Lewis

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N5 has been confirmed at a premises in Ness, Isle of Lewis.

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the premises. Further details about this case and the latest information is available on GOV.SCOT: https://www.gov.scot/publications/avian-influenza-outbreaks/.

All bird keepers must remain vigilant and follow stringent biosecurity measures as detailed on GOV.SCOT: https://www.gov.scot/publications/avian-influenza-outbreaks/ in addition to following any Protection/Surveillance Zone restrictions in their area to prevent future outbreaks.

Please check the disease control zones on our avian influenza interactive map to see what restrictions are in place: https://defra.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=8cb1883eda5547c6b91b5d5e6aeba90d

02/10/2026

Va**ng Products Duty and the Va**ng Duty Stamps Scheme started yesterday, 1 October 2026.

Businesses across the va**ng supply chain should check what the new rules mean for them.

Va**ng Products Duty applies to all va**ng liquids manufactured in, or imported into, the UK, whether they contain ni****ne or not. The duty rate is £2.20 per 10ml. Duty stamps will start appearing on va**ng products from 1 October 2026.

What you need to do:
Manufacturers, UK representatives and warehousekeepers should have HMRC approvals and processes in place before 1 October 2026.

Importers will need to pay the duty when va**ng products arrive in the UK, unless the goods enter duty suspension.

Retailers and wholesalers should source products from compliant suppliers. Existing eligible unstamped stock can continue to be sold until 31 March 2027.

From 1 April 2027, all va**ng products sold or supplied in the UK must carry a valid va**ng duty stamp.

Read the full guidance on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/va**ng-duty

02/10/2026

⚠️ Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) have issued a product safety alert for certain baby sleeping bags.

More information in the comments below 👇

⚠️ Warning for parents and carers

We’ve issued a safety alert for baby sleeping bags without armholes or with a hood.

These products pose a serious, or even lethal risk as they can allow a baby to slip inside the sleeping bag or have their nose and mouth covered.

❌️ Do not buy or use these products. If you already own one, stop using it immediately and contact the supplier.

📢 Share this post with anyone who may have this product.

Read more: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/safety-alert-issued-for-baby-sleeping-bags

See the full alert: https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-safety-alert-baby-sleeping-bags-psa9

01/10/2026

⚠️ Trading Standards Advice – Failure to Supply Electrical Safety Reports

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Trading Standards has received a number of reports from customers who have not received the Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) that were agreed as part of electrical work carried out.

An EICR is an important electrical safety document and may be required for insurance, safety, or regulatory purposes.

If you were promised an EICR and have not received it, free and impartial advice on your consumer rights and potential routes to redress is available from Advice Direct Scotland.

🔗 Advice Direct Scotland link in the comments.

01/10/2026

Eat Safe Award for Royal Hotel

Cllr Frances Murray, Chair of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Community Safety Board, presented Dahi Rai (Head Chef), Alexander MacLoed (Director) and the team at the Royal Hotel, with a Food Standards Scotland Eat Safe Award.

The Eat Safe Award is granted by the Environmental Health Service of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in conjunction with Food Standards Scotland. The award is available to all establishments selling food directly to consumers.

The main aim of the scheme is to provide an incentive to food businesses to strive for food hygiene and food safety management standards beyond those required by law. It also helps consumers make informed choices about where to eat out by providing a recognisable sign of excellence in standards of food hygiene.

Cllr Frances Murray, Chair of the Community Safety Board was delighted to hand over an award from the Comhairle to Dahi Rai and Alexander MacLeod. Cllr Murray said: "The Eat Safe award is only presented to businesses that have achieved hygiene standards beyond those required by law, so their commitment has to be commended. I would encourage all businesses within the Outer Hebrides to aim for this award as it provides them with a valuable tool to reassure their customers of a continuing commitment to produce food safely."

Eligible establishments are assessed for the award as part of scheduled food hygiene inspections undertaken by officers from Environmental Health. Further details on the scheme are available on the Food Standards Scotland website at:
Eat Safe Awards | Food Standards Scotland

ENDS.

30/09/2026

If you find dead or sick wild birds, there's a link to advice and information in the comments section

Migratory birds are arriving which often marks the start of Avian Influenza season.

It's time to check your biosecurity:
🥾 cleanse and disinfect equipment, clothing and vehicles
🐔 keep bird feed and bedding under cover
🦆 fence off areas of open water
🏡 make sure your poultry shed roof is in good condition

Find more advice at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu/