Obligatory housing measures launched to guard towards avian influenza

Wales is dealing with a considerably elevated risk on account of a rising variety of circumstances in each stored and wild birds throughout Great Britain. 

Avian influenza is of critical concern, not solely for animal well being and welfare, but in addition to the sustainability of meals manufacturing and public well being. 

From Thursday November 13 it will likely be a authorized requirement for all keepers of 50 or extra birds of any species to deal with them.  

Mandatory housing will even apply to flocks of lower than 50 birds of any species if eggs or poultry merchandise are offered or given away, as a result of elevated threat of illness transmission related to buying and selling or gifting away poultry merchandise. 

Additional biosecurity necessities will even be launched for the gamebird sector, which skilled avian influenza outbreaks final season. 

The new obligatory housing measures will likely be included into the prevailing Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) launched in January. 

Deputy First Minister with duty for Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, mentioned: 

“We keep measures under active review. Since the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone was introduced at the start of the year, the risk of disease has recently increased further, and Wales is now facing a very high level of avian influenza risk. 

“The resolution has not been taken evenly, however it’s obligatory to guard each our fowl populations and the livelihoods of poultry keepers throughout Wales. 

“I urge all fowl keepers to adjust to these necessities and keep the very best requirements of biosecurity. I recognise this will likely be difficult, however by appearing now we might help forestall the unfold of this illness and shield our flocks.” 

Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Dr Richard Irvine, mentioned: 

“We are seeing a sharp increase in the number of avian influenza cases in kept and wild birds. In the face of the current very high risk levels, we are now introducing mandatory bird housing measures, which will apply across the whole of Wales. 

“I appreciate the impact these measures have on keepers, and remain grateful for their continued cooperation to protect bird health and welfare.  

“Housing measures can help protect birds from the threat of disease, but they are not a substitute for stringent hygiene and biosecurity.

“I strongly advise keepers to act now and familiarise themselves with the steps they need to take to protect their birds. This includes using the mandatory biosecurity checklists available online.

“Everybody should continue to remain vigilant, report any suspect cases of disease immediately, and ensure they are following the mandatory enhanced biosecurity requirements to protect your birds.” 

The housing order and AIPZ will likely be in place till additional discover and will likely be stored below common evaluate as a part of the Welsh Government’s work to monitor and handle the dangers of avian influenza, together with the Animal and Plant Health Agency and the opposite UK administrations.