Avian flu detected in poultry and wild birds near Wrexham
2nd November 2021
Dead wild birds found in the area are believed to be the source of the infection.
The chief veterinary officer for Wales has confirmed a case of H5N1 avian flu at a premises near Chirk, Wrexham. It is the first case in Wales since January this year.
Temporary disease control zones of 3km and 10km have been imposed around the small infected poultry premises to limit the risk of disease spread.
A veterinary investigation is underway but dead wild birds in the area tested positive for the virus and are thought to be the source of infection. The pathogenicity has not yet been confirmed.
The case follows an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 at a wild bird rescue centre near Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire.
Chief veterinary officer for Wales, Christianne 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. […]
“Suspicion of avian influenza or any other notifiable disease must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately.”
Visit gov.uk for the latest biosecurity advice.