The National Farmers’ Union of Wales (NFU Cymru) will host a meeting with interim chief veterinary officer (CVO) of Wales, Gavin Watkins, to discuss the latest avian influenza (bird flu) situation in Wales, as concerns emerge of the disease’s rapid spread in England.
NFU Cymru said fears are growing amongst those working in the Welsh poultry sector, and that the meeting would feature a question-and-answer section with Watkins that could help farmers manage their flocks properly.
It will also feature a welcome from NFU Cymru poultry chair, Richard Williams, and a bird flu update from NFU Cymru policy adviser, Dafydd Jarrett.
Poultry keepers in Wales are encouraged to join the meeting, which will be held online, for access to the bird flu update with the interim CVO.
The meeting will take place at 3:30p.m on Monday (November 7) and comes in the wake of a wave of bird flu that is considered to be the largest outbreak of its kind in the UK.
Speaking on the meeting, NFU Cymru poultry chair Richard Williams said: “Given the heightened fears about this wave of avian influenza and the impact it is already having on poultry businesses in the UK, I very much welcome the fact that NFU Cymru has called this timely meeting with the interim CVO for Wales.
“I’d strongly urge poultry keepers to register for this event in order that they can hear the very latest information and guidance.
“With AI already hitting a number of commercial flocks and taking a grip in the wild bird population, also, we must all practise the highest biosecurity measures and do everything we can help to keep this terrible disease at bay,” he said.
Registration for the meeting can be completed via the NFU Cymru website.
