Wales joins England in lifting Avian Influenza Prevention Zone but 'real threat' remains

There have been no cases of bird flu in poultry this year, but wild birds have been affected
There have been no cases of bird flu in poultry this year, but wild birds have been affected

Wales has joined England in lifting its Avian Influenza Prevention Zone with immediate affect following numerous cases of avian influenza in wild birds during winter.

Devolved governments imposed the national AIPZ after being alerted to a large scale wild bird death, confirmed to be a result of the European strain of the avian influenza virus H5N6, in January this year.

There have been no cases of avian influenza in poultry in the UK this year and the poultry sector retains its OIE disease free status.

But now an updated veterinary risk assessment conducted by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has found the risk of incursion from wild birds reduced from High to Low. Similarly, the risk to poultry is also Low.

England was the first to lift its AIPZ. UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: "The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone was lifted across England due to the scientific and veterinary evidence showing that the risk of this disease has now returned to low.

"It is essential that all bird keepers continue to maintain good biosecurity measures to protect their birds and help prevent outbreaks or spread of diseases."

'Remains a real threat'

In Wales, there has been only one finding in a wild bird this year. Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths said the AIPZ was a precautionary measure to minimise risk of infection.

“We have since been monitoring the situation closely and the latest risk assessment by APHA has concluded that the risk has reduced from High to Low for wild birds and the risk to poultry is also Low,” Ms Griffiths said.

“Based on this evidence-based veterinary advice I am pleased to announce that the current All Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone will come to an end with immediate effect. Whilst this is welcome news it is important to remember avian influenza remains a constant and real threat to our poultry and other captive birds.”

Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop added: “I cannot stress enough the need for all keepers of poultry and other captive birds to remain vigilant for signs of the disease and to continue to practice the very highest levels of biosecurity.

“If anyone suspects disease they should contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately. Also, we can all play a part in supporting the ongoing surveillance by reporting any findings of dead wild birds to the GB helpline.”

Biosecurity

Farmers and keepers are still urged by Defra to review biosecurity measures, including:

• Minimise movement in and out of your bird enclosure

• Clean footwear before and after visiting your birds

• Keep bird enclosures clean and tidy and regularly disinfecting any hard surfaces

• Humanely control rats and mice

• Place birds’ food and water in fully-enclosed areas that wild birds cannot access, and remove any spilled feed

• Keep your birds separate from wildlife and wild waterfowl by putting suitable fencing around the outdoor areas they access

• Make sure equipment, feed and bedding are stored undercover so they cannot be contaminated by wild birds

• Where possible keep chickens and turkeys separate from ducks and geese

To report any findings of dead wild birds contact the GB helpline on 03459 335577.