SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, has expressed concern over the outbreak of Avian flu on the North Wales border.
Last week the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs DEFRA declared the Declaration of Avian influenza surveillance zone in Wem, Shropshire which includes part of the Wrexham local authority area.
The announcement came after one million birds were set to be culled after the discovery of bird flu at Griffiths Family Farm near Wem, Shopshire, which borders North Wales.
Mr Rowlands said: “This outbreak is very concerning for poultry farmers, especially if this dreadful disease was to spread into North Wales.
“It must be heartbreaking for the owners of the Griffiths Family Farms, part of the Oakland Farm Eggs group, near Wem, Shopshire, which is one of the biggest suppliers of eggs in the UK.
“I would urge bird keepers in North Wales to be extra vigilant and make sure every precaution to prevent the spread of this diseases.”
The DEFRA has set up a protection zone with 3km and 10km disease control zones after the flock at Griffiths Family Farms tested positive for high path avian influenza. Part of the 10km Surveillance zone declared by Defra and Welsh Government extends into Wales.
Check where disease control zones are currently located and if you are in a zone on the Animal and Plant Health Agency interactive map.
As of 16 February 2024, gatherings of all poultry and captive birds are permitted, except for Anseriforme birds (ducks, geese, swans), provided you meet the requirements of the poultry gathering general licence or the captive bird gathering general licence and notify the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) of the gathering at least 7 days before the event.
You can find out more in the general licence documents:
These remain under constant review.
The avian influenza prevention zone is no longer in place, as of 4 July 4 2023.
Bird keepers are advised to continue to complete the biosecurity self-assessment checklist. Scrupulous biosecurity is the most effective method of disease control available. Whilst the risk to kept birds has reduced, all bird keepers should still follow enhanced biosecurity measures at all times to prevent the risk of future outbreaks. Follow our biosecurity and preventing disease in captive birds guidance.
Click here to view the current avian influenza restrictions.
Contact your local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) office immediately on 0300 303 8268 if you suspect avian influenza.
