Poultry keepers across Ceredigion are being urged to keep an eye on their flock after bird flu was confirmed in Wrexham.

On 1 November the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a small backyard flock of chickens in Wrexham.

This was following a case at a wild bird rescue centre in Worcestershire on 27 October.

A risk assessment has been prepared in light of these findings, and on 1 November, the UK risk level for disease incursion in wild birds was raised from medium to high.

Additionally, the risk to poultry has been increased from low to medium, where biosecurity is inadequate.

As a precautionary measure, an all Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, has been put into place.

From Monday, 8 November, no gatherings of poultry, galliforme or anseriforme birds are permitted.

Galliforme birds include pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkey and guinea fowl. Anseriforme birds include ducks, geese and swans.

The Prevention Zone will require all keepers of poultry and other captive birds, irrespective of how they are kept, to take appropriate and practicable steps, including ensuring the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, for example, by netting ponds and by removing wild bird food sources;

Breeders are also encouraged to feed and water their birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds and to minimise movement of people in and out of bird enclosures.

Keepers are also encouraged to clean and disinfect footwear and keep areas where birds live clean and tidy.

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.

This Avian Influenza Prevention Zone will remain in place until a reduction in risk levels indicates it is no longer required. The Zone will be kept under regular review.

Cllr Gareth Lloyd, Ceredigion County Council’s cabinet member responsible for public protection services, said: “We strongly encourage all poultry keepers, even those with fewer than 50 birds, to sign up to the Poultry Register. This will ensure you can be contacted immediately, via email or text update, in an avian disease outbreak, enabling you to protect your flock at the earliest opportunity.”

Information on the requirements of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, guidance and latest developments will be available on the Welsh Government website at https://gov.wales/avian-influenza