The chief veterinary officer for Wales, Prof. Christianne Glossop, has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) H5N1 on two commercial premises in Powys.
One of the premises is near Newtown and the other is near Welshpool; both have pheasants on site.
To limit the risk of the disease spreading, 3km Protection Zones and 10km Surveillance Zones have been put in place.
Within these zones, bird movements and gatherings are restricted and all poultry holdings must be declared.
Bird flu in Wales
This confirmation brings the total number of bird flu cases in Wales to five, in total, since the ongoing outbreak across Europe and the UK began in autumn and winter 2021.
It is the largest-ever outbreak of bird flu seen in the UK.
“These cases of avian influenza in Wales are a cause for concern, and evidence the risk to our birds has not diminished,” said Prof. Glossop.
She continued to emphasise the importance of biosecurity on sites with birds to limit the spread of the disease through the Welsh bird population.
“Keepers of birds must be vigilant and ensure they have the very highest levels of biosecurity in place. There is always more that can be done to protect your birds,” she said.
“I urge everyone to leave no stone unturned. Once again review all the measures in place and identify any areas for improvement.
“Think about risks from direct contact with wild birds, especially waterfowl and also anything that could be contaminated by bird droppings – clothing and footwear, equipment, vehicles, feed and bedding. Make improvements where you can to prevent further spread of this devastating disease within our domestic bird population.”
The risk to the public’s health quite low, however a human case was confirmed in the UK at the beginning of the year. In this case the person acquired the infection from very close, regular contact with a large number of infected birds, which they kept in and around their home over a prolonged period of time.
“Housing measures are in force to protect poultry and kept birds, but housing is only effective when combined with implementation of the most stringent biosecurity measures,” Prof. Glossop continued.
“Suspicion of avian influenza or any other notifiable disease must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately.”
Members of the public can report any dead birds they encounter to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; remember not to pick up or touch any sick or dead bird.
