Posted: Fri 26th Nov 2021

Bird flu detected in chickens and ducks on Anglesey as temporary control zone implemented

North Wales news and information
This article is old - Published: Friday, Nov 26th, 2021

The Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales has confirmed the presence of bird flu in a small flock of chickens and ducks on Anglesey.

A 3km and 10km temporary control zone area have been imposed around the small premises which has been impacted, to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

According to Christianne Glossop, the risk to public health from the virus is considered to be very low and the cases do not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.

It follows a case of bird flu being confirmed in poultry and wild birds in Wrexham last month. There have also been similar findings in the UK and Europe.

On Wednesday this week, the Chief Veterinary Officers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland agreed to bring in new measures to protect poultry and captive birds, which will come into force on Monday (November 29).

All keepers are strongly advised to be vigilant for signs of the disease such as an increase in deaths 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 confirmation of a case of avian influenza in poultry on the Isle of Anglesey 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 next 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.

Main image: “Chickens!” by Darin Barry is licensed under CC BY 2.0



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