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The Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop, has confirmed the presence of avian influenza H5N1 in poultry and wild birds
at a premises in the Wrexham County Borough area. |
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Temporary Disease Control zones of 3km and 10km have been imposed around the small infected poultry premises, to limit the risk of disease spread. A veterinary
investigation is underway, however, dead wild birds found in the area have
tested positive for the virus and are believed to be the source of infection. 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. 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. The last
recorded case of avian influenza in Wales was in January this year. Today’s
confirmation follows the announcement of similar findings of avian influenza
in the UK and Europe. 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 said: “Avian Influenza has
been found in poultry and wild birds in the Wrexham area. This is further
evidence of the need for all keepers of poultry and captive birds to ensure
they have the very highest levels of biosecurity in place. “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.” * Further
information on how to report and dispose dead wild birds can be found at: Report and dispose of
dead birds | GOV.WALES |
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