The Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Rural Affairs – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today (10 November) spoken of her concern about an increase in Avian Influenza incursion risk among wild birds, urging bird keepers to strengthen their farm biosecurity measures.
The wild bird risk level has been raised from ‘medium' to ‘high’ following two unrelated confirmed cases in England this week, as well as increasing reports of the disease affecting flocks in mainland Europe. The UK’s four Chief Veterinary Officers have now urged bird keepers to prevent direct or indirect contact with wild birds, with the risk of infection of poultry in Great Britain also being raised from ‘low’ to ‘medium’.
Highlighting the advice to bird keepers, Janet said:
“I wish to commend the work of our Chief Veterinary Officers, and their colleagues, who have acted quickly to prevent the spread of disease at both sites in England. They continue to monitor the situation and have now urged all bird keepers to remain alert for any signs of disease. Bird keepers are asked to report suspected cases as a matter of priority.
“It is important to note that the United Kingdom has robust monitoring measures in place to help prevent such avian disease from spreading, and I must stress that the risk of transmission of avian influenza viruses to the general public in the UK remains very low.
“These veterinary specialists are keen to underline that, now more than ever, our bird keepers should ensure that they are doing all they can to maintain and strengthen good biosecurity on their premises to help prevent further outbreaks. Good practice includes keeping all areas tidy and cleaning footwear before and after visits.
“I urge all bird keepers in Wales to review and strengthen their biosecurity measures, following the guidance laid out by the nation’s four Chief Veterinary Officers. By ensuring that our birds are kept protected in a safe and clean environment, we can stem the threat and maintain avian health.”
ENDS
Notes from Editors:
Measures that bird keepers should enact, include:
- Keeping the area where birds live clean and tidy, controlling rats and mice and regularly cleansing and disinfecting any hard surfaces
- Cleaning footwear before and after visits
- Placing birds’ feed and water in fully enclosed areas that are protected from wild birds, and removing any spilled feed regularly
- Putting fencing around outdoor areas where birds are allowed and limiting their access to ponds or areas visited by wild waterfowl
- Where possible, avoid keeping ducks and geese with other poultry species.
Photo: Brianna Santellan on Unsplash
