A temporary suspension of bird gatherings in Wales will be lifted from 15 May.

Announcement follows updated risk assessment

A temporary suspension of bird gatherings in Wales will be lifted from 15 May, the Welsh government has confirmed.

The announcement follows an updated risk assessment and is dependent on no further outbreaks of H5N8 avian influenza in poultry, other captive birds, or findings in wild birds.

Assuming there are no further outbreaks or findings, the current general licence will be revoked and replaced on 15 May by a new general licence allowing all gatherings of birds.

“I have taken this decision based upon the latest qualitative risk assessment, which considered the risk of incursion of H5N8 into poultry farms from contact primarily with resident wild waterfowl, but also with other possible pathways,” said Lesley Griffith, cabinet secretary for environment and rural affairs.

“The updated assessment concluded the overall risk should now be assessed as low, this is defined as being 'rare, but may occur occasionally'. The overall risk is determined by the likelihood of the virus remaining in wild birds and the environment and the exposure to poultry.”

Experts say the risk to poultry is reduced as migratory wild birds leave Great Britain and as the resident wild waterfowl enters its breeding season. The assessment also concluded that environmental contamination will reduce with warmer, drier weather and higher UV levels.

“The overall risk presented by gatherings is also reduced, provided there are high levels of biosecurity at the gathering, ensuring species do not mix and cleansing and disinfection is carried out,” said Ms Griffiths.

Implemented in December 2016, the temporary suspension followed the declaration of the whole of Wales as an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone.

Last Thursday (27 April), the cabinet secretary confirmed that the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone would not be replaced after its expiry on 30 April. But the temporary suspension on gatherings of some bird species remained.

Commenting on the lifting of the suspension, Christianne Glossop, chief veterinary officer for Wales, said:

“While I am sure this news will be welcomed by poultry and other captive bird keepers I would remind them it is vital they remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain excellent biosecurity practices.”