Avian flu prevention zone now in force across Wales

An avian flu prevention zone (AIPZ) is now in force across the whole of Wales, with mandatory biosecurity as of 00.01 30^th January.

There have been no avian flu cases in Wales so far this season, but the introduction of the AIPZ recognises the increased risk to Welsh flocks. 

AIPZs are already in force in Scotland and England, and parts of England are under a compulsory housing order.

All keepers of poultry and other captive birds, must now take the following steps:

• Deter wild birds from areas where birds are kept e.g. by netting ponds and surrounding areas and removing wild bird food sources
• Feeding and watering flocks in enclosed areas
• Minimising movement of people in and out of bird enclosures
• Cleaning and disinfecting footwear, using foot dips before entering poultry enclosures, and keeping areas where birds live clean and tidy
• Reducing any existing contamination by cleansing and disinfecting concrete areas and fencing off wet or boggy areas
• Keeping domestic ducks and geese separate from other poultry
• Wild game birds “caught up” during the open season must not be moved for a minimum of 21 days, subject to conditions within the declaration
• Ensure records are kept in line with the conditions within the declaration
• Complete the mandatory biosecurity self-assessment checklist.

Keepers with more than 500 birds must take extra biosecurity measures, including limiting access to non-essential people, changing clothing and footwear before entering premises with birds and cleaning and disinfecting vehicles.

READ MORE: Avian influenza prevention zone declared in four counties

READ MORE: Effective biosecurity helps protect flocks against new outbreaks of avian flu

Worsening disease picture

NFU Cymru is urging all poultry keepers in Wales to practise high levels of on-farm biosecurity and to prevent contact with wild birds.

NFU Cymru Poultry chairman Richard Williams said: “Unfortunately the UK poultry industry is all too familiar with the devastating impact that AI can have on our flocks and our businesses in recent years. 

“Given the worsening disease picture in other parts of the UK this season, it is absolutely imperative that poultry keepers – whether that’s commercial businesses or small backyard flocks – do all they can to protect our birds from this disease.

“The announcement of an all-Wales AIPZ recognises the increased risk to Welsh flocks.”

There have been 24 outbreaks of avian flu H5N1 in birds in England since 17^th November 2024, and one case in Scotland, as well as one case of H5N5 in England.

A rare human case of the virus was also recently confirmed in a person in the West Midlands.

Read more poultry news.