Poultry and captive bird keepers in Wales must house their birds
from Thursday 13 November as
measures are introduced to combat
the heightened risk of avian influenza.
Wales is facing a
significantly elevated threat due to a
growing number of cases in both kept and wild birds across
Great Britain.
Avian influenza is of serious concern, not
only for animal health and welfare, but also to the
sustainability of food production and public health.
From today, it will be a legal requirement for all keepers
of 50 or more birds of any species to house
them.
Mandatory housing will also apply to flocks of less
than 50 birds of any species if eggs or poultry products are sold
or given away, due to the increased risk of disease
transmission associated with trading or giving away poultry
products.
Additional biosecurity requirements will also be introduced
for the gamebird sector, which experienced avian
influenza outbreaks last season.
The new compulsory housing measures will be incorporated into the
existing Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone
(AIPZ) introduced in January.
Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Rural Affairs,
Huw Irranca-Davies, said:
"We keep measures
under active review. Since the Avian
Influenza Prevention Zone was introduced at the start of the
year, the risk of disease has recently increased
further, and Wales is now facing a very high level
of avian influenza risk.
"The decision has not been taken lightly, but it is necessary to
protect both our bird populations and the livelihoods of poultry
keepers across Wales.
"I urge all bird keepers to comply with these
requirements and maintain the highest standards of
biosecurity. I recognise this will be challenging, but by
acting now we can help prevent the spread of this disease and
protect our flocks.”
Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Dr Richard Irvine,
said:
“We are seeing a sharp increase in the number of avian
influenza cases in kept and wild birds. In the face
of the current very high risk levels, we are
now introducing mandatory bird housing
measures, which will apply across the whole
of Wales.
“I appreciate the impact these measures have
on keepers, and remain grateful for
their continued cooperation to protect bird health and
welfare.
“Housing measures can help protect birds from the threat of
disease, but they are not a substitute
for stringent hygiene and biosecurity.
I strongly advise keepers to act now and
familiarise themselves with the steps they need to take to
protect their birds. This includes using the
mandatory biosecurity checklists available online.
“Everybody should continue to remain vigilant,
report any suspect cases of disease immediately, and
ensure they are following the mandatory enhanced
biosecurity requirements to protect your birds.”
The housing order and AIPZ will be in place until further notice
and will be kept under regular review as part of the Welsh
Government's work to monitor and manage the risks of
avian influenza, along with the Animal and Plant Health
Agency and the other UK administrations.
Notes to editors
Avian influenza (bird
flu): current restrictions | GOV.WALES
Link to biosecurity checklists available online - Biosecurity and preventing
disease in poultry and kept birds | GOV.WALES
