Avian flu confirmed in chickens on smallholding in north Wales

The Welsh Assembly has confirmed a case of avian flu in chickens at a farm in north Wales.

However, it is the H7N2 low pathogenic strain not the more virulent H5N1 strain.

According to the BBC, the farm owners purchased 15 Rhode Island Red chickens two weeks ago but later some of the birds began to die.

It says a private vet, who was called out to what is believed to be a smallholding in Conwy, notified animal health officials.

Contingency plans for GB and contingency plans have been activated. In line with this, the farm has been placed under restriction and a 1km restriction zone has been placed around the infected premises.

Within this zone, birds and bird products cannot be moved, bird gatherings can only take place under licence from Animal Health, and poultry keepers are being advised to observe strict biosecurity measures.

The 30 remaining birds on the farm are being slaughtered.

Poultry keepers are reminded to report any suspicious signs of a notifiable avian disease to their local Animal Health Divisional Office.

Members of the National Poultry Register will receive updates by text message.

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