IT HAS been confirmed that a back yard flock of chickens and ducks in Pontyberem was infected by the H5N8 strain of avian influenza which was also found near the Llanelli Wetlands Centre last month.
Prior to the disease being confirmed by the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, the flock of birds was culled on ‘strong suspicion of disease’.
A three kilometre Protection Zone and 10 kilometre Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the infected premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading.
This is the same strain of the virus identified in a wild duck in Llanelli on December 22, a turkey farm in Lincolnshire on December 16 and cases in wild, captive or domestic birds in many European countries, the Middle East and North Africa.
The advice from Public Health Wales (PHW) is that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency has made clear that avian flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers. Thoroughly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
Lesley Griffiths, Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, said: “This case of Avian Influenza H5N8 in a backyard flock near Pontyberem in Carmarthenshire follows the findings of infection in wild birds and a confirmed case in Lincolnshire.
“It serves to reinforce the need for all bird keepers, particularly back yard flock keepers, to adhere to the requirements set out in the Prevention Zone, remain vigilant for signs of disease and practice good biosecurity at all times.”
The Chief Veterinary Officer, Christianne Glossop, said: “This case serves to remind us all of the risk of infection. The Prevention Zone and temporary suspension on gathering of poultry remain in place.
“It is extremely important that bird keepers practice the very highest levels of biosecurity. Even when birds are housed, there remains a risk of infection and keepers of poultry and other captive birds should ensure every effort is made to prevent contact with wild birds. The movement of poultry should be minimised, and clothing and equipment should always be disinfected.”
If you are concerned about the health of your birds, you should seek advice from your veterinary surgeon. If you suspect that your birds are showing signs of the disease, you should immediately report it to your local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) office.
Poultry keepers are encouraged to provide details of their flocks to the Poultry Register. This will ensure they can be contacted immediately in the event of an avian disease outbreak so that they can take action to protect their flock at the earliest opportunity.
Members of the public are encouraged to report dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or gulls, or five or more dead wild birds of other species in the same location, to the Defra helpline on 03459 335577.
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