Avian influenza has been identified in poultry and wild birds in Wrexham County Borough.

Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop, has confirmed the presence of avian influenza H5N1 in poultry and wild birds at a premises in the Wrexham county borough area.

Temporary Disease Control zones of 3km and 10km have been imposed around the small infected poultry premises, to limit the risk of disease spread.

A veterinary investigation is underway, however, dead wild birds found in the area have tested positive for the virus and are believed to be the source of infection.

The risk to public health from the virus is considered to be very low and these cases do not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.

Members of the public are encouraged to not pick up or touch any sick or dead birds and instead contact the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.

Today’s confirmation follows the announcement of similar findings of avian influenza in the UK and Europe.

Chief veterinary officers from Wales, England and Scotland have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across the whole of Great Britain.

All keepers are strongly advised to be vigilant for signs of the disease such as increased mortality or respiratory distress. If keepers have any concerns about the health of their birds, they are encouraged to seek prompt advice from their veterinary surgeon.

Ms Glossop said: “Avian influenza has been found in poultry and wild birds in the Wrexham area. This is further evidence of the need for all keepers of poultry and captive birds to ensure they have the very highest levels of biosecurity in place.

“Public Health Wales has said the risk to the health of the public from Avian Influenza is very low and the Food Standards Agency has made clear it does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.

“Temporary control zones have been imposed to help prevent further spread of the disease.

“Suspicion of avian influenza or any other notifiable disease must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately.”

Further information on how to report and dispose dead wild birds can be found at gov.wales

What it means for keepers

The avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) means bird keepers across the country must:

• Keep domestic ducks and geese separate from other poultry.

• Ensure the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, for example by netting ponds, and by removing wild bird food sources;

• Feed and water your birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds;

• Minimise movement in and out of bird enclosures;

• Clean and disinfect footwear and keep areas where birds live clean and tidy;

• Reduce any existing contamination by cleansing and disinfecting concrete areas, and fencing off wet or boggy areas.

• Keep free ranging birds within fenced areas, and that ponds, watercourses and permanent standing water must be fenced off (except in specific circumstances e.g. zoo birds).

The prevention zone will be in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to monitor and manage the risks of bird flu.

Poultry keepers and members of the public should report dead wild birds to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 and keepers should report suspicion of disease to APHA on 0300 303 8268. Keepers should familiarise themselves with official avian flu advice.

01 Nov 2021

S