Bird flu discovered at two separate sites in Wales

Disease control zones were set up after bird flu was discovered at two separate sites in Wales.

Chief Veterinarian for Wales, Professor Christianne Glossop, has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza infection at two separate business premises in Powys – one near Newtown and the other near Welshpool .

Both premises have pheasants on site. Read more: Find all our environmental stories here.

In order to contain the disease, a protection zone of 3 km, a surveillance zone of 10 km and a restricted zone of 10 km have been declared around each of the two infected establishments, in order to limit the risk of spreading the disease.

Within these areas, bird movements and gatherings are restricted and all poultry operations must be declared.

The autumn and winter of 2021/2022 has seen an unprecedented incursion of bird flu in Europe and these cases bring the number of cases in poultry and other captive birds in Wales to five, in total.

In November 2021 the Minister for Rural Affairs declared a Bird Flu Prevention Zone across Wales making it a legal requirement for all poultry and captive bird keepers to house their birds or to separate them from wild birds.

The Welsh Government says the public health risk from the virus is considered “very low”. It says the Food Standards Agency says bird flu poses a very low food safety risk to consumers and does not affect the consumption of poultry products, including eggs.

All holders are strongly advised to be alert to signs of illness such as increased mortality or respiratory distress. If keepers have any concerns about the health of their birds, they are encouraged to seek prompt advice from their veterinarian.

Chief Veterinarian for Wales, Professor Christianne Glossop, said: ‘These cases of bird flu in Wales are worrying and proof that the risk to our birds has not diminished.

“Bird keepers need to be vigilant and ensure they have the highest levels of biosecurity in place. There is always more to do to protect your birds.

“I urge everyone to spare no effort. Review all the measures in place again and identify areas for improvement. Think about the risks of direct contact with wild birds, especially waterfowl and also all that that could be contaminated with bird droppings – clothing and footwear, equipment, vehicles, food and bedding. Make improvements where you can to prevent the spread of this devastating disease within our domestic bird population.

“Housing measures are in place to protect poultry and raised birds, but housing is only effective when combined with the implementation of the strictest biosecurity measures.

“Suspicion of avian influenza or any other notifiable disease should be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency without delay.”

Members of the public are encouraged to report any dead birds they encounter. These may be collected for review and monitoring of avian influenza, depending on the species and location.

Members of the public are encouraged not to pick up or touch sick or dead birds and instead contact the Defra Helpline at 03459 33 55 77.

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