The new Avian Influenza Prevention Zone requires all keepers to complete a self assessment of biosecurity measures on their premises (available for download at http://gov.wales/topics/environmentcountryside/ahw/disease/avianflu/?lang=en ).
The objective is to keep domestic flocks totally separate from wild birds by continuing to keep birds housed or using other measures, which may include permitting controlled access to outside areas, subject to the introduction of additional risk mitigation measures.
Keepers of poultry and other captive birds in the new Avian Influenza Prevention Zone must ensure:
They complete the Welsh Government Avian Influenza Prevention Zone Self Assessment Form.
They adopt one or more of the following:
(i) house their birds
(ii) keep totally separate from wild birds, by use of netting etc
(iii) allow controlled access to outside areas, subject to applying additional risk mitigation measures.
Wild birds cannot access bedding, feed and water intended for poultry and other captive birds.
Any person who comes into contact with poultry and other captive birds must take all reasonable precautions to avoid the transfer of contamination between premises, including cleansing and disinfection of equipment, vehicles and PPE and the changing of boots/footwear between houses/different areas of site.
Steps are taken to reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry or captive birds are kept to minimise contamination between premises. Robust records must be maintained of any movements in or out of the poultry or other captive birds area.
Vermin control programmes are implemented, including making the area and buildings where poultry or captive birds are kept inaccessible and unattractive to wild birds.
Housing and equipment is thoroughly cleansed and disinfected at the end of a production cycle.
The area where poultry or other captive birds are kept is regularly checked for signs of wild bird access and appropriate corrective action taken immediately.
Boot dips using approved disinfectants at the appropriate concentration, must be kept at all points where people must use it, such as, but not limited to, farm entrances and before entering poultry housing or enclosures.
Domestic waterfowl (ducks and geese) are kept separately from, and cannot make contact with, other domestic species.
Regular health checks of the birds are completed and any changes in bird health are discussed with a private veterinary. If a notifiable disease is suspected then this should be immediately reported to APHA.
The site is regularly inspected and kept clean, any spillages are immediately cleaned.
If you suspect any strain of avian flu you must tell your nearest Animal and Plant and Health Agency (APHA) office (in Wales, contact 0300 303 8268) immediately. Failure to do so is an offence.
Detail on how to register your poultry can be found here.