The Welsh government has issued a mandatory housing order for all poultry and captive birds to be kept indoors from Thursday, November 13 onwards to combat the “heightened risk” of bird flu across the UK.
Following November 13, it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Wales to house their flocks if it consists of 50 or more birds, with smaller flocks also to be housed if their eggs or poultry products are sold or given away.
Additionally, biosecurity measures are set to be introduced for the gamebird sector, which reportedly experienced bird flu outbreaks last season.
The most recent bird flu outbreak that has been confirmed in the UK was detected on a commercial poultry farm near Welshpool, Powys in Wales on Sunday, November 9.
Government
The Welsh Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies outlined that the new compulsory housing measures will be incorporated into the existing Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ).
The minister said: “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,” the minister added.
Biosecurity
The chief veterinary officer for Wales, Dr. Richard Irvine noted that while the housing measures can help protect poultry from the threat of disease, they are not “a substitute for stringent hygiene and biosecurity”.
Dr Irvine added: “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 suspected cases of disease immediately, and ensure they are following the mandatory enhanced biosecurity requirements to protect your birds.”
The Welsh Government outlined that the new housing order and AIPZ will remain until further notice and it will regularly review these measures, in conjuction with the Animal and Plant Health Agency and other UK administrations, to monitor and manage the risks of any further bird flu outbreaks.
