Concern as two separate bird flu outbreaks reported in Wales

Wales has confirmed its first cases of avian influenza since April 2023, with two separate outbreaks identified in Pembrokeshire and near Wrexham.

The Welsh government reported that a flock of 120 hens on a smallholding near Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, tested positive for the H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) strain on Monday (23 June).

A second case was confirmed the following day at a commercial game bird premises near Glyn Ceiriog, Wrexham.

See also: Bird flu makes an unwelcome return in backyard flock

Protection and surveillance zones of 3km and 10km respectively have been established around both affected sites to contain the disease and implement control measures.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (Apha) has also sent notifications to registered poultry and captive bird keepers within these areas.

“On both sites, Apha continues to work on implementing disease control measures in line with our disease control strategy.

“Public health authorities have also been informed as part of the measures routinely taken,” a Welsh government spokesman said.

The Wales-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity measures remains in place, as well as a poultry gatherings ban. 

“We would like to thank poultry and captive bird keepers across Wales for putting in place measures to keep their flocks safe from this highly infectious virus.

“It is essential that all bird keepers take action now to check and reinforce hygiene and biosecurity measures to protect their birds,” the Welsh government spokesman added.

An NFU Cymru spokesperson said that this is “concerning and heightens the anxiety of everyone connected with the poultry sector”.

“Farmers must remain vigilant to signs of the disease and practise the highest standards of biodiversity – non-essential visitors should be kept away from the farm wherever possible,” the spokesperson added.

Samuel Kurtz, Welsh Conservative shadow cabinet secretary for rural affairs, emphasised the need for proper support from the Welsh government for those farmers affected.

“The agricultural industry is under immense strain at present, so it’s important that the Welsh government supports the sector properly as it looks to isolate the disease and reduce the spread,” he said.

Information about biosecurity measures, including checklists for smaller poultry flocks and captive birds, and for commercial flocks are available on the Welsh government website.

• If you suspect an avian influenza outbreak, you must contact Apha immediately on 0300 303 8268.