The Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Rural Affairs – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today (12 November) welcomed the declaration of an all-Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, under Article 6 of the Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (Wales) (No. 2) Order 2006. The Prevention Zone will apply from 17:00 on 11 November 2020. 

The Prevention Zone will require all keepers of poultry and other captive birds, irrespective of how they are kept, to take practicable steps to introduce stringent biosecurity measures, including ensuring that the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds by removing wild bird food sources; minimising the movement of people in and out of bird enclosures; and disinfecting footwear and keeping areas where birds live clean and tidy.  

Under these measures, keepers with more than 500 birds will also be required to take extra biosecurity measures, including restricting access to non-essential people, changing clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures and cleaning and disinfecting vehicles. 

Commenting, Janet said:  

“I welcome the declaration of an all Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, as a proportionate step that reflects the seriousness of the situation.  

“This declaration will underscore the importance of reviewing biosecurity measures, to all bird keepers in Wales, 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.

“I must stress that the UK has robust monitoring measures in place to help prevent such a disease from spreading, and the risk of transmission of avian influenza viruses to the general public in the UK remains very low. It is also important to note that Avian Influenza is not related to Covid-19. 

“I encourage all Welsh bird keepers to review the requirements and guidance of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone on the Welsh Government website. I also ask that our keepers remain alert for any signs of disease and should report all suspected cases as a matter of priority." 

ENDS 

Notes for Editors:  

• Please find Janet’s earlier press release on this issue, by clicking here.  

Photo: sippakorn yamkasikorn on Unsplash