Two new cases of avian flu confirmed in Wales
15th September 2022
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed at premises in Gwynedd and Pembrokeshire.
The deputy chief veterinary officer for Wales, Dr Gavin Watkins, identified two new outbreaks of avian flu in Wales last week. The cases have been confirmed at a premises near Arthog in Gwynedd, North Wales (5th September), and another premises near Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire (9th September).
A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone are currently in place around both premises to limit the spread of the disease. Within these zones, bird movements and gatherings are restricted and all bird holdings must be declared.
Since October 2021, there have been over 140 confirmed cases of avian flu across the UK, making it the largest outbreak of the disease the country has ever faced. Wales has seen a total of seven avian flu cases since last autumn, with the above being the first cases reported in six months.
Due to a fall in disease risk, the nationwide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) that had been in place since 3rd November 2021 was lifted on 16th August 2022. However, a regional AIPZ was shortly reintroduced across Devon, Cornwall and parts of Somerset on 31st August following a surge of cases in captive and wild birds.
While bird keepers outside the AIPZ are no longer required to comply with strict biosecurity measures, maintaining high levels of biosecurity on all poultry premises is strongly recommended. A nationwide ban on poultry gatherings remains in place to limit the risk of infections spreading between bird populations.
Poultry premises within disease control zones must have additional biosecurity or housing measures in place as outlined in the declaration issued by the Government. To check whether your farm is in a disease control zone, visit the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s interactive disease map.
The deputy chief veterinary officer for Wales, Dr Gavin Watkins, said: “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. There is always more that can be done to protect your birds.”
With autumn and winter approaching, Mr Watkins urged all birdkeepers to review the measures they have in place and make improvements where possible. Taking a proactive approach will go a long way towards reducing the spread of avian flu and mitigating its impact on poultry businesses.
“Good biosecurity is always key in protecting animals from disease,” Mr Watkins added.
