Wales to bring in emergency bird housing order this week amid growing threat of avian influenza
All poultry and captive bird keepers in Wales will be legally required to house their birds from Thursday 13 November, as the Welsh Government introduces new measures to tackle the growing threat of avian influenza.
The decision follows a sharp rise in confirmed cases of the disease among both kept and wild birds across Great Britain.
Avian influenza poses a serious risk to animal health, welfare, food production, and public health, officials said.
From Thursday, all keepers with 50 or more birds of any species must house them.
The same rule will apply to flocks of fewer than 50 birds if eggs or poultry products are sold or given away.
Additional biosecurity rules will also be introduced for the gamebird sector, which experienced several outbreaks last season.
The new housing measures will form part of the existing Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), first introduced in January.
Deputy First Minister and Minister for Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said:
“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 decision has not been taken lightly, but it is necessary to protect both our bird populations and the livelihoods of poultry keepers across Wales.
“I urge all bird keepers to comply with these requirements and maintain the highest standards of biosecurity. I recognise this will be challenging, but by acting now we can help prevent the spread of this disease and protect our flocks.”
Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Dr Richard Irvine, said:
“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 remain in force until further notice.
The measures will be reviewed regularly by the Welsh Government, the Animal and Plant Health Agency, and other UK administrations.
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