On 21st February 2022, the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales confirmed the presence of avian influenza H5N1 at the following two premises:
A new case was confirmed at a commercial premises Near Welshpool, Montgomeryshire, Powys. A 3km Protection Zone, a 10km Surveillance Zone and 10km Restricted Zone have therefore been declared around the premises. Details of the measures within the disease control zones for this zone are outlined in the relevant disease declarations on Gov.Wales.
A new case was also confirmed at a commercial premises Near Newtown, Montgomeryshire, Powys. A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place. Part of the Surveillance Zone extends into England in a number of places and declarations have therefore been put in place in both Wales and England. A Restricted Zone of 10km has also been declared in Wales with the same measures as the Surveillance Zone. Details of the measures within the disease control zones for this zone are outlined in the relevant disease declarations on Gov.Wales.
Please note that the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) measures remain in place across GB.
All bird keepers are reminded to meet their obligations to maintain the highest standards of biosecurity to protect their birds and to house their birds. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) have released a short informative video providing guidance on good biosecurity practices for backyard flock keepers to keep birds protected from Avian Influenza. Following the recent storms, bird keepers are encouraged to check their coups for any signs of damage and make any subsequent repairs in order to reduce the risk of the transmission of avian influenza to poultry or other captive birds from wild birds or from any other source.
They also encourage all keepers to register their birds on the Poultry Register. This is already a legal requirement for those with 50 birds or more. Registering means keepers will be contacted with relevant information or action needed in the event of an outbreak near them.
A Welsh Government press release has been issued and is available to read here.