AVIAN FLU ON ISLAND

AVIAN flu has been detected in a flock of birds on Anglesey, the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales has confirmed.

Three-kilometre and 10km temporary control zones have been imposed on the island (map inset) after avian influenza – H5N1, or bird flu – was detected in a small backyard flock of chickens and ducks.

The zones have been imposed around the infected premises to limit the risk of disease spread.

The Welsh Government says the risk to public health from the virus is considered to be very low and these cases do not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.

A case of avian influenza was confirmed in poultry and wild birds in Wrexham County borough last month.

There have been similar recent findings of avian influenza elsewhere in the UK and in Europe.

Last Wednesday the Chief Veterinary Officers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland agreed to bring in new housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds from avian influenza.

These measures came into force on Monday.

All keepers are strongly advised to be vigilant for signs of the disease, such as increased mortality or respiratory distress.

If keepers have any concerns about the health of their birds, they are encouraged to seek prompt advice from their veterinary surgeon.

The Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop, said: “This is further evidence of the need for all keepers of birds to ensure they have the very highest levels of biosecurity in place.

“We have announced new housing measures will come into force from Monday to protect poultry and kept birds.

“But I must stress that this is at its most effective when combined with implementation of the most stringent biosecurity measures.

“Public Health Wales has said the risk to the health of the public from avian influenza is very low and the Food Standards Agency has made clear it does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.

“Temporary control zones have been imposed to help prevent further spread of the disease.

“Suspicion of avian influenza or any other notifiable disease must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately.”

Members of the public are encouraged to not pick up or touch any sick or dead birds and instead contact the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.