MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet
Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs: There have been
no cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) confirmed in
poultry or other kept birds in Wales so far this outbreak season.
However, the number of cases in poultry flocks continues to
increase across Great Britain and there is a heightened risk of
transmission from wild to kept birds.
On the basis of advice from the Chief Veterinary Officer for
Wales, I have decided to introduce an all-Wales Avian Influenza
Prevention Zone (AIPZ) under Article 6 of the Avian Influenza and
Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (Wales) (No. 2) Order 2006.
This precautionary measure is in line with the national AIPZs
introduced in England and Scotland on 25 January 2025.
This AIPZ will apply from 00:01 on Thursday 30 January and remain
in place until a reduction in risk levels indicates it is no
longer required. The requirements within the AIPZ and other
measures to reduce the risk of avian influenza transmission will
be kept under ongoing review.
The AIPZ will require all keepers of poultry and other captive
birds, irrespective of the size of the flock or how the birds are
kept, to take appropriate and practicable steps now, including:
• Ensuring the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to
wild birds, for example, by netting ponds and surrounding areas
and by removing wild bird food sources;
• Feeding and watering flocks in enclosed areas to discourage
wild birds;
• Minimising movement of people in and out of bird
enclosures;
• Cleaning and disinfecting footwear, using foot dips before
entering poultry enclosures, and keeping areas where birds live
clean and tidy;
• Reducing any existing contamination by cleansing and
disinfecting concrete areas and fencing off wet or boggy
areas;
• Keeping domestic ducks and geese separate from other
poultry;
• Wild game birds “caught up” during the open season must not be
moved for a minimum of 21 days, subject to conditions within the
declaration.
• Ensuring records are kept in line with the conditions within
the declaration. Completing the mandatory biosecurity
self-assessment checklist within 7 days. To help keep birds
disease-free, we have created two biosecurity self-assessment
checklists for commercial and small poultry keepers.
Keepers with more than 500 birds will also be required to take
extra biosecurity measures, including restricting access to
non-essential people, changing clothing and footwear before
entering bird enclosures, and cleaning and disinfecting vehicles.
I consider the mandatory enhanced biosecurity measures of the
AIPZ to be proportionate to the risk level posed by avian
influenza here in Wales at this time.
We all have a responsibility to protect the health and welfare of
our national flock in Wales and prevent disease introduction and
spread. All keepers of poultry and other captive birds will need
to comply with the requirements of the Avian Influenza Prevention
Zone. Keepers must also remain vigilant for signs of disease.
Avian Influenza is a notifiable disease, and any suspicion should
be reported immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency
(APHA) on 0300 303 8268.
Information on the requirements of the Avian Influenza Prevention
Zone, guidance and latest developments will be available on the
Welsh Government website.
