The presence of avian influenza H5N1 (avian flu) in poultry and wild birds at a premises in northeast Wales has been confirmed by chief veterinary officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop.
The case has been identified in the Wrexham County Borough area. Temporary Disease Control zones of 3km and 10km have been imposed around the small infected poultry premises to limit the risk of disease spread.
An investigation is underway, however dead wild birds found in the area have tested positive for the virus and are believed to be the source of infection.
All keepers in Wales are being strongly advised to be vigilant for signs of the disease, such as increased mortality or respiratory distress.
Chief veterinary officer Glossop said:
Avian Influenza has been found in poultry and wild birds in the Wrexham area. This is further evidence of the need for all keepers of poultry and captive birds to ensure they have the very highest levels of biosecurity in place.”
Should keepers have any concerns regarding the health of their birds, they should seek advice from their veterinary surgeon as soon as possible.
“Suspicion of avian influenza or any other notifiable disease must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately,” Glossop added.
The risk to public health is considered to be very low and these cases do not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.
