Wales recorded its seventh case of avian influenza (bird flu) over the weekend.
The chief veterinary officer for Wales, Christine Glossop, confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic bird flu in poultry at a large site in Pembrokeshire on Friday night (September 9).
As per protocol, a 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been declared around the infected premises, to limit the risk of disease spread.
This is the second confirmed case of bird flu in Wales this week.
Highly pathogenic bird flu was confirmed at a premises near Arthog in Gwynedd on Monday (September 5).
Prior to this, bird flu had not been confirmed in Wales since February.
After the case in Gwynedd, deputy chief veterinary officer for Wales, Dr. Gavin Watkins, reminded bird keepers that that good biosecurity is key to protecting animals from disease.
“There has been an unprecedented incursion of avian influenza into Great Britain and Europe in 2022 and keepers of birds must be vigilant and ensure they have the very highest levels of biosecurity in place,” he said.
“As we move into the autumn and winter, I urge you all to review the measures you have in place and identify areas of improvement.
“Think about risks from direct contact with wild birds, especially waterfowl, and also the things 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 bird disease,” he said.
He added that these cases show the “continuing risk” that is out there to Welsh birds. However, this sentiment could be applied to the wider UK.
In Northern Ireland, highly pathogenic bird flu has been detected in wild sea birds at a number of locations and in England, there have been five new outbreaks in September alone so far.
