Welsh poultry owners urged to be vigilant over Bird Flu outbreak

Welsh poultry owners are being urged to be vigilant for signs of avian influenza following the outbreak in England.

On 16 November the Chief Veterinary Officer for the UK confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza on a duck breeding farm in East Yorkshire.

Deputy Minister for Farming and Food, Rebecca Evans, said:

“Although the disease has only been confirmed in England, I encourage all poultry owners in Wales to remain vigilant and to report any signs of the disease to their local Animal Health and Plant Agency (formerly AHVLA) office.
“We have been working closely with Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency, and officials are fully engaged in the contingency planning arrangements.

“I am maintaining a close interest in the situation and I am being regularly updated. Government has a good track record of controlling and eliminating avian disease outbreaks in the UK and I am confident that we have the necessary plans in place to deal with a similar event in Wales.”

Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop, said:

“Poultry owners need to keep a look out for any signs of the disease. These include respiratory distress, diarrhoea, fewer eggs being laid, loss of appetite and blue discolouration of neck and throat.
“As always, all poultry keepers should continue their efforts to maintain high levels of biosecurity and monitor their birds for any signs of disease. Avian influenza is a notifiable disease, and so any suspicion should be reported immediately.”

For up to date information on the outbreak visit the Gov.UK website.

Main image: REUTERS/Phil Noble