Two cases of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus, otherwise known as bird flu, has been detected in Wales, according to the chief veterinary officer for the country.
The first case, confirmed on Tuesday (June 24) in Glyn Ceiriog, near Wrexham, has triggered a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone around the property.
The second case, in Haverfordwest, Co. Pembrokeshire, was also confirmed on Tuesday (June 24) with the same protection and surveillance zones in place.
The government confirmed that all poultry on the two properties will now be humanely culled.
In a separate incident in England, a case of bird flu was confirmed in Linton-on-Ouse, North Yorkshire on Friday (June 20). The same procedures to prevent spreading of the disease as in the Welsh cases will be carried out.
Two of the farms (one in Wales and one in England) were large commercial setups, which will now lose large numbers of laying hens as their broods will be culled.
The two confirmed cases of bird flu in Wales are the first since the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was applied on on January 30, 2025.
However, the Welsh government announced last month that the lifting of AIPZ (avian influenza prevention zone) housing measures would come into effect on May 15.
For England, this is the third case of the disease this month.
Bird flu prevention
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) advised bird owners to keep up-to-date with the virus and monitor the interactive bird flu map on the department’s website.
The virus, which affects poultry and wild birds, spreads through contaminated feed and water, or through birds’ droppings and saliva.
Infected birds show signs including sudden death; a swollen head; closed and runny eyes; lack of coordination; tremors; dropping of the wings; dragging legs; breathing difficulties; fever; and significant reduction in egg production, as well as other discrete signs.
The government is also reminding people to register as keeper of birds within 30 days of taking on poultry or other captive birds, in accordance with the law.
From then on, poultry should be kept away from wild birds, standing water or ponds should be fenced off; rodents and pests controlled; and housing cleaned and disinfected,
Poultry producers are also advised to use clean clothing and footwear, have footbaths available on farm; and limit and control access to the birds.
Defra has also reminded farmers that bird flu is a notifiable disease in poultry and any suspected cases on a farm you should be reported in accordance with the law.
