Avian influenza identified in poultry on Anglesey

Avian influenza identified in poultry on Anglesey

The Welsh government has confirmed the presence of avian influenza H5N1 in a small flock of chickens and ducks at a premises on the Isle of Anglesey.

Temporary Control Zone Areas of 3km and 10km have been imposed around the small infected premises, to limit the risk of disease spread.

Public Health Wales has said the risk to public health from the virus is considered to be very low and these cases do not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.

Cases of H5N1 avian influenza have been confirmed across the UK in recent days, including Norfolk, North Yorkshire, Essex, Cheshire West, Chester, Cumbria, Lancashire, South Derbyshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Walsall.

Housing measures were brought in for parts of North Yorkshire on 21st November, namely the districts of Harrogate, Hambleton and Richmondshire. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is working with its members to ensure they can put in place all the necessary housing measures.

NFU chief poultry adviser Aimee Mahony said: “Protecting bird health and welfare is our number one priority and, with an increasing number of confirmed avian influenza cases over the past few weeks, the introduction of national housing measures will help keep all birds, whether they are part of a commercial or back-yard flock, as safe as possible.”

She added: “Poultry keepers only have a few days to prepare and implement the additional measures that are now required and, given the urgency of the situation, I encourage everyone to take action as quickly as possible.”

All keepers are strongly advised to be vigilant for signs of the disease such as increased mortality or respiratory distress. If keepers have any concerns about the health of their birds, they are encouraged to seek prompt advice from their veterinary surgeon.

Cause for concern

The chief veterinary officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop, said: “This confirmation of a case of avian influenza in poultry on the Isle of Anglesey is further evidence of the need for all keepers of birds to ensure they have the very highest levels of biosecurity in place.

“We have announced new housing measures will come into force from next Monday to protect poultry and kept birds, but I must stress that this is at its most effective when combined with implementation of the most stringent biosecurity measures.”

She added: “Suspicion of avian influenza or any other notifiable disease must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately.”

Members of the public are encouraged to not pick up or touch any sick or dead birds and instead contact the Defra helpline for your nation/region. An interactive map of avian influenza disease control zones currently in place across GB can be found on Defra’s website.

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