Restrictions end after low-pathogenic bird flu

Restrictions have been lifted on a mid-Wales free-range egg farm following an outbreak of low-pathogenic avian influenza.

The first signs of the disease were seen in mid-June, when the unnamed producer lost about 600 of his 12,000 layers in less than a week.

See also: Stay alert to avian influenza

Local vets and the AHVLA were called in, and Defra subsequently imposed a movement restriction on all birds and eggs from the farm, which is a member of the Mid Wales Egg Packing group.

Mortality dropped off quickly and tests confirmed a low pathogenic H4 strain of avian influenza. This is a non-notifiable disease and the farm was allowed to resume normal business at the beginning of July.

Ungraded, older eggs had to go to processing, while the more recently laid eggs have been cleared for retail.

“This has been a real challenge for our logistics, and for the individual concerned who has lost a lot of money,” said a spokesman for the packer.

While the disease is low-pathogenic, egg producers in the area have been advised to step up their biosecurity.