Bird Flu Confirmed in Chickens And Ducks in Wales

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The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) is advising its members that the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales has confirmed that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza of the H5N8 strain was found in a backyard flock of chickens and ducks in Pontyberem, Carmarthenshire.

As a result, a 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the infected premises, to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

Shooting is not restricted in either of the zones. The Welsh Government has confirmed today (4 January) that the movement of shot gamebirds is permissable both within and from both the Protection and Surveillance Zones. The Welsh Government said that the same advice applies to shot "wild woodpigeons".

The NGO would urge shooting interests in the immediate vicinity of this bird flu outbreak in Carmarthenshire to give due consideration to their plans at this time.

Members of the NGO and others in the shooting community with captive birds (though there are very few gamekeepers who hold captive birds at this time of year) are reminded of the importance of adhering to the enhanced biosecurity measures – including the need to take appropriate steps to keep captive birds separate from wild birds – that are in force across the whole of England, Wales and Scotland in the Prevention Zones, which were announced on 6 December.

Those keepers who do keep captive birds should note that the Prevention Zones have today (4 January) been extended and will now run until 28 February to help protect poultry and captive birds from avian flu. For details of today’s announcement click here

Northern Ireland declared a 30-day Prevention Zone on 23 December. Click here for details.

The NGO continues to ask its members to be vigilant and to report any dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or gulls or five or more dead wild birds of other species, when encountered in the same location in unusual circumstances, to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77. Details of how to spot the symptoms of bird flu can be found here

Further important guidance and advice on avian influenza is available on the Defra website. The information can be viewed by clicking here

A spokesman for the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation said: “Our members remain on the alert for signs of avian influenza in wild birds, and our website explains how to go about reporting any possible case of bird flu that keepers might discover. We would ask NGO members to keep checking the NGO website for updates on avian influenza.”

He added: “Those keepers who are making routine plans to transport live gamebirds at this time of year will be aware of their on-going responsibilities regarding scrupulous record keeping, maximum journey times and the many other regulations required by law for the movement of game. It is a timely moment therefore to remind keepers that full attention should of course, as always, be paid to implementing all practical biosecurity measures such as cleaning and disinfecting vehicles and trailers before, during and after transit, especially between any multiple trips.”