Bird keepers are being advised that ‘Low risk does not mean no
risk' as the all-Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has
today been lifted.
Mandatory biosecurity measures for poultry and other captive
birds were introduced in January 2025 to help prevent the spread
of avian influenza from wild birds or any other source.
Following the removal of mandatory housing measures in April, the
decision to lift the remaining AIPZ biosecurity measures follows
the latest outbreak assessment showing the risk of bird flu
transmission from wild to kept birds in Great Britain has reduced
from ‘Medium' to ‘Low'.
The lifting of the AIPZ in Wales has been coordinated with the
lifting of the equivalent zones in England and Scotland.
Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Richard Irvine, said:
"I am pleased the latest reduction in avian influenza risk means
we are now able to lift the all-Wales Avian Influenza Prevention
Zone. This is good news for our bird keepers, and I would like to
thank the sector, who have worked hard and shown great vigilance
through a sustained and challenging period.
"I also want to be very clear that Low risk does not mean no
risk.
“Avian influenza remains a serious disease, and we know that
conditions can change. I urge every bird keeper, no matter the
size or type of flock, to keep protecting their birds – from bird
flu and other diseases.
“Good hygiene practices are your first and most effective line of
defence. Vigilance and prompt reporting of any suspicion of
disease also remain absolutely vital."
Bird keepers are reminded to continue to always follow good
hygiene and biosecurity practices, including:
- keeping the area where birds are kept clean and tidy
- controlling access to birds and their housing
- minimising contact between kept birds and wild birds
- regularly disinfecting equipment, clothing and footwear
- reporting any signs of disease promptly to the Animal and
Plant Health Agency (APHA)
The Welsh Government will continue to monitor the bird flu
situation closely, and bird keepers requiring further guidance,
including on biosecurity to keep disease out of flocks can find
more information on the Welsh Government
website.
Notes to editors
Guidance published on the Welsh Government
website includes biosecurity self-assessment checklists for
small and larger poultry flocks and game bird respectively, to
provide a clear list of actions to help keep birds free of
disease, specifically:
-
Self-assessment checklist for keepers of small
flocks
All bird keepers of small flocks in Wales (with less than 500
birds) should complete this form annually and retain it as a
record.
-
Self-assessment checklist for commercial poultry
keepers
All commercial bird keepers (500 or more) should complete this
form annually and retain it as a record.
-
Self-assessment checklist for keepers of
gamebirds
All game bird keepers should complete this form annually
and retain it as a record.
