Welsh chief veterinary officer (CVO) Dr Richard Irvine has announced the lifting of the Welsh avian influenza (bird flu) bird gathering ban.
The ban on gatherings applied to Gailliforme birds such as pheasants, chickens and turkeys.
However, the risk levels are still considered to be too high for gatherings of Anseriforme birds such as ducks, geese and swans, which will remain prohibited.
The news follows that of a bird flu case in commercial poultry in Yorkshire in England.
From today (Friday, February 16), Welsh Galliforme bird keepers arranging a fair, market, show, exhibition or other gatherings will be required to follow and meet all requirements of a general license.
Welsh CVO, Dr Richard Irvine said: “Poultry keepers have worked hard to protect their birds from the risks of avian influenza by implementing strong biosecurity and other measures, and I want to thank them again for all they have done.
“I am pleased we are now able to allow gatherings of Galliforme birds to resume. This is a welcome development, enabled by the support and cooperation of the poultry sector.
“This means, from today, gatherings of all types of birds, except Anseriforme birds, will be permitted across Wales, provided keepers follow and meet all the requirements of the general licence.“
Irvine warned that the annoucement does not mean the risk of avian influenza has disappeared.
“Scrupulous hygiene and biosecurity are essential to protect flocks from the threat of disease, and it is important bird keepers continue to complete the biosecurity self-assessment checklist,” he said.
“All of our mitigation measures, including restrictions on bird gatherings, are kept under constant review, to help ensure the national flock is protected.”
