By Debbie James

PEMBROKESHIRE’S premier poultry event – the annual Welsh National Poultry Weekend at Haverfordwest – has been called off because of fears over a highly virulent strain of bird flu.

A record number of chickens, geese and ducks had been due to compete at the event at the Pembrokeshire Showground at Withybush on January 14 and 15.

But, after Wales was declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone and the Welsh government suspended all gatherings of poultry to prevent the virus from spreading, the organisers admitted they had no choice but to cancel the show.

Alan Davies, secretary of the Dyfed Poultry Society, which had been organising the show, said there were due to be nearly 2,000 exhibits.

“A lot of work would have been needed in the fortnight leading up to the show to get things ready but we couldn’t see a way ahead at this late stage," he said.

“It is disappointing but a decision had to be made. Even though the ban could be lifted by the 14th we have no way of knowing that.’’

There will be a financial loss because schedules had already been printed and posted to exhibitors.

Mr Davies said there was no possibility of the show being rescheduled after the ban had been lifted.

“It would be difficult to get another date to suit all the judges and everyone else involved and, after January, we will be in the breeding season anyway.’’

The threat from the virus has moved closer with confirmation of a case of bird flu case in a wild wigeon in Carmarthenshire.

Owners have been ordered to house their animals to prevent further spread of the virus. Mr Davies said for this reason not all birds would be in tip-top condition for showing.

Mr Davies has coped with the need to house all his birds by repairing sheds at his home in Solva but says for owners of geese and ducks, the situation is challenging.

“Geese are grazing animals so it is difficult to keep them inside and ducks like to bathe, they don’t take kindly to being indoors.’’

Any suspected bird flu cases should be reported immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency on 03000 200 301.

How to spot avian influenza

There are two types of avian influenza – high pathogenic and low pathogenic.

High-pathogenic avian influenza is often fatal in birds. The main clinical signs are:

• Swollen head

• Blue discolouration of neck and throat

• Loss of appetite

• Respiratory distress such as gaping beak, coughing, sneezing, gurgling, rattling

• Diarrhoea

• Fewer eggs laid

• Increased mortality

• Clinical signs can vary between species and ducks and geese may show minimal signs.

Low-pathogenic avian influenza is usually less serious

• It can cause mild breathing problems, but affected birds will not always show clear signs of infection

• The severity of LPAI depends on the type of bird and whether it has any other illnesses.

Biosecurity measures

Wales’s chief vet Christianne Glossop has advised enhanced biosecurity

• Cleaning and disinfecting clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry

• Reducing the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry are kept to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products

• Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting housing at the end of a production cycle

• Keeping fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all points where people should use it, such as farm entrances and before entering poultry housing

• Minimising direct and indirect contact between poultry and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds.