Avian flu restrictions eased in Wales
“Scrupulous hygiene and biosecurity are essential to protect flocks from the threat of disease” –Richard Irvine.
Gatherings of galliformes, including chickens, turkeys and pheasants, are longer prohibited in Wales, the country’s chief veterinary officer has announced.
The restriction, which had been introduced in November 2021 to help contain the spread of avian influenza, have been lifted as of 16 February 2024. Galliformes from premises in Wales are also now allowed to attend gatherings in England.
Anyone organising a gathering, such as a bird fair, market, or show, will have to meet the requirements of the poultry gathering general licence. They will also have to notify the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) at least seven days before the event.
Owing to the continuing risk to water fowl, gatherings of anseriformes, such as ducks, geese, and swans, will remain banned. Bird keepers are also being urged to maintain high biosecurity standards.
Richard Irvine, chief veterinary officer for Wales, said: “Scrupulous hygiene and biosecurity are essential to protect flocks from the threat of disease, and it is important bird keepers continue to complete the biosecurity self-assessment checklist.
“All of our mitigation measures, including restrictions on bird gatherings, are kept under constant review, to help ensure the national flock is protected.”
No premises in Wales have been found to be infected with avian flu since April 2023. However, the virus is continuing to spread among wild birds, with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds recently warning about the impact the disease is having on Welsh seabirds.
Suspected cases of avian influenza should be reported to APHA on 0300 303 8268.
Image © Welsh Government
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
