NEW measures to help protect poultry and captive birds have been introduced across Wales and the UK today following a number of cases of avian influenza.

New housing measures mean that it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of disease.

The new restrictions have been introduced following cases affecting both wild and captive birds. Avian influenza poses a very low risk to human health and food safety and does not affect the consumption of poultry products, including eggs. Authorities also wish to be clear on the fact that Avian influenza is not connected to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Bird keepers should use this time to prepare for new housing measures, including taking steps to safeguard animal welfare, consult their vet and where necessary put up additional housing.

These housing measures build on the strengthened biosecurity regulations that were brought in as part of the Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ) in November.

The AIPZ means that all captive bird and poultry keepers need to take extra precautions, such as cleaning and disinfecting equipment, clothing and vehicles, limiting access to non-essential people on their sites, and workers changing clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures.

The restrictions will be applied across the whole of the UK and will be kept under regular review.

Councillor Graham Breeze, Powys County Council cabinet member for regulatory services, said: “We have previously warned Powys residents about the avian flu alert, but the situation has worsened in recent weeks.

“From today onwards, all bird keepers must keep birds indoors, or take appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds.

“Avian influenza is a highly infectious disease so bird keepers must be vigilant for any signs of it, maintain good biosecurity and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.”

More information on avian influenza can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu.

Poultry and captive bird keepers and members of the public should report dead wild birds to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 (option 7) and keepers should report suspicion of disease to APHA on 03000 200 301.