THE Wales avian influenza prevention zone, due to expire on April 30, will not be replaced.

Cabinet Secretary Lesley Griffiths has taken this decision based on an updated veterinary risk assessment conducted by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). However, the temporary suspension on gatherings of some species of birds will remain as additional evidence is considered.

She said: “We have been closely monitoring this situation and APHA has been preparing updated outbreak risk assessments. The most recent evidence-based veterinary risk assessment concluded there remains a low-medium risk of resident wild waterfowl being infected with H5N8.

"Meanwhile, the exposure assessment risk for poultry farms is low, but heightened, and will depend on the biosecurity measures on each farm. This level is consistent with November 2016, when disease was present across Europe in sporadic outbreaks and occasional wild bird findings were being reported”

The chief veterinary officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop added: “I would like to stress the need for all keepers of poultry and other domestic captive birds to remain alert for signs of the disease and to contact their private veterinarians if they have any concerns. If anyone suspects disease they should contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately.

“It is essential all keepers maintain effective biosecurity practices, such as considering and updating self assessment forms, cleansing and disinfecting all clothing, equipment and vehicles (using approved disinfectants) and implementing effective pest control measures to minimise the opportunities of contact between their birds and wild birds and wildlife.”