New measures to protect birds from avian flu come into force in Wales tomorrow

Following forecasts of high disease risk in Wales over the winter months, the Welsh Government announced a set of new measures last week to curb the spread of avian flu. These rules build on the measures introduced in October through the Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone to help bird keepers become more resilient.

Commencing tomorrow, all birds must be housed indoors or otherwise kept separate from wild birds. Keepers will also be required to complete a tailored biosecurity review of the premises where the birds are kept. The purpose of the review is to ensure the risk of virus entry in bird houses is minimal as avian flu causes high mortality rates.

Gosia Siwonia, interim deputy chief veterinary officer for Wales, said: “We have taken this action to ensure extra protection for birds as data suggests a westward spread of avian influenza to Wales in the coming months.

“Housing is effective in protecting birds against avian influenza, but only if accompanied by rigorous biosecurity to keep the virus out of bird houses.  The biosecurity checklist will be key to this which is why we have made it compulsory for all keepers.

“We know this is a difficult time for bird keepers and their flocks, but we must continue to do all we can together to protect birds and these additional measures will build on the efforts which have already been made.”

Public health advice remains unchanged in that avian flu poses a very low risk to human health. Moreover, food standards bodies continue to advise that the risk to food safety from the virus is very low for UK consumers.

The mandatory biosecurity self-assessment checklist is available on the GOV.WALES website.