October 17, 2022

 

Bird flu detected in Anglesey, Wales

 

 

The Welsh government said bird flu has been detected at a site in Anglesey, Wales, the first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 detected in the country since October 1, The Guardian reported.

 

The presence of the virus was confirmed by Gavin Watkins, Wales's interim chief veterinary officer.

 

According to the Welsh government, a 3 km protection zone and 10 km surveillance zone have been established around the infected premises to reduce the risk of the disease spreading.

 

Additionally, it stated that all holdings that keep birds must be declared and that movements and gatherings of birds are restricted within these zones.

 

Bird keepers have been urged to exercise extreme caution and make sure their facilities are biosecure. When birds become ill, farmers are advised to consult a veterinarian right away. If avian influenza is suspected, the Animal and Plant Health Agency must be notified legally.

 

Following a decision by the UK's chief veterinary officer, mandatory housing requirements for all poultry and captive birds were implemented earlier this week in parts of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex.

 

With 27 outbreaks in the last month alone across the three counties, the number of bird flu cases in the east of England has significantly increased. Producers of Christmas geese are among those who have suffered greatly.

 

To help safeguard their flocks from avian flu, the measures in some areas of England require bird keepers to confine their animals indoors.

 

It comes after calls from poultry farmers for a UK-wide housing order to be implemented in response to a recent spike in bird flu outbreaks.

 

Christine Middlemiss, the chief veterinarian for the UK, said that as migratory birds return to the country over the upcoming months, the number of bird flu cases on farms will increase.

 

James Mottershead, the chair of the National Farmers' Union poultry board, said the number one priority for poultry farmers has always been the health and welfare of their flock. As a result, the NFU is urging the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to consider expanding the regional housing measures on a national basis to reflect any rise in the levels of risk throughout the country.

 

-      The Guardian