Gamebird keepers urged to be vigilant amid bird flu outbreaks

Gamekeepers and farmers with game birds are being urged to remain vigilant and maintain strict biosecurity measures after further bird flu outbreaks in captive birds made a return this week.

A case of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed by the Welsh government at a commercial game bird premises near Glyn Ceiriog, Wrexham, on Wednesday (24 June).

It is believed to involve about 6,000 birds, as well as in a flock of 120 hens on a smallholding near Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.

See also: Concern as two separate bird flu outbreaks reported in Wales

“While the overall risk of avian influenza has declined, the recently confirmed cases highlight the importance of remaining vigilant to the symptoms of the disease,” said a spokesman for the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (Basc).

Basc added that it was essential for anyone keeping birds of any type to follow strict biosecurity measures, as per the relevant avian influenza prevention zones, which remain in place.

“The implementation of disease control zones following a confirmed case has significant impacts for those keeping birds within in these areas.

“Additionally, for the gamebird sector, there is a prohibition on any release until these disease controls are lifted,” the spokesman added.

The latest outbreaks have occurred at the start of the game bird release “season”, when keepers are opening their pens to let the birds wander freely.

Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust head of communications Joe Dimbleby added: “Any outbreak of bird flu is a concern not only for the game management sector, but for the wider countryside and its wildlife. 

He pointed to a clear biodiversity net gain from “best practice” gamebird releasing, including 100 times more songbirds per hectare in game cover crops compared to conventional crops, and up to 32% more songbirds in woodland managed for pheasants.