‘Be alert to biosecurity to keep bird flu at bay’

THE Welsh Government is urging people to remain vigilant for signs of avian flu this winter.

The Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop, also reminded poultry-keepers of the importance of effective biosecurity.The UK is currently free from avian influenza (H5N8) – but with the autumn bird migration season now well under way, there is a risk the disease may arrive.

The current risk of infection in the UK is considered to be medium for wild birds and low for poultry, although this depends on levels of biosecurity on individual premises.

The Chief Veterinary Officer advised all poultry-keepers in Wales, from those with small backyard flocks to large commercial premises, to review their biosecurity, sign up for disease alerts and register their birds with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Keepers are also being reminded that they must report any unexplained deaths or sickness to their vet.

The advice from Public Health Wales is that the risk to public health from avian flu remains very low and the Food Standards Agency has made clear that the disease does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.

Ms Glossop added: “The wild bird migration season is well under way. This means birds will be arriving into the UK from areas where we know avian flu is present.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of poultry-keepers continuing to practise the very highest levels of biosecurity. Even when birds are housed there remains a risk of infection, and keepers of poultry and other captive birds should ensure every effort is made to prevent contact with wild birds.

“The movement of poultry should be minimised, and clothing and equipment should always be disinfected.

“If you are concerned about the health of your birds, you should seek advice from your veterinary surgeon. If you suspect your birds have AI, you should report it to your local Animal and Plant Health Agency office immediately.”

Members of the public who find dead wild swans, geese, ducks or gulls, or five or more dead wild birds of other species in the same location, should report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 or email defra.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk. This service covers the whole of GB.

All poultry-keepers are being encouraged to register their poultry. It is a legal requirement to register if keepers have premises with 50 or more birds. Keepers of premises with fewer than 50 birds are being encouraged to register voluntarily.