Bird Flu Found in a Wild Duck in Wales

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The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation is asking its members and others in the shooting community to be vigilant for signs of avian influenza in order to help limit the threat of the spread of the disease into poultry in the wake of today’s (22 December) confirmed finding of bird flu in a dead wild duck in Carmarthenshire.

The bird, a wigeon, was infected with H5N8, which is the same strain of the disease that was discovered at a turkey farm near Louth in Lincolnshire last week (Defra says there is no suggestion that the disease has spread from that farm).

The Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales made public the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N8 in a wild duck in Llanelli in a statement which can be read here

Further information is also available from the Department for Environment, Food &, Rural Affairs.

The NGO has called on its members to report 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 Animal and Plant Health Agency helpline on 0300 303 8268.

Information on how to spot bird flu symptoms can be found here

At this time of year, few keepers will have captive birds, but those who do are reminded that the Prevention Zones, which were announced on 6 December for the whole of England, Wales and Scotland, remain in force. It is essential the enhanced biosecurity measures are adhered to, including the need to take appropriate steps to keep captive birds separate from wild birds.

A spokesman for the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation said: “Keepers should remain alert to the possibility of encountering bird flu, learn how to spot the symptoms of the disease and know where to report potential cases.”

The NGO is continuing to monitor the situation on behalf of its members and will provide further updates as is necessary.