The UK is experiencing outbreaks of Avian Influenza across the country with the whole of Great Britain having been declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ).

Avian influenza (AI) naturally circulates in wild birds. When they migrate to the UK over the winter they can spread the disease to poultry and other captive birds.

With this in mind, keepers locally are being advised to maintain strict biosecurity measures to help prevent their birds from contracting AI.

Should AI be found in a flock of birds, it would mean that that flock would need to be culled to prevent the spread of the disease and strict control measures implemented on the surrounding area.

The public has a role in reporting dead or sick birds.

If you find dead or sick wild birds, do not touch them.

Instead, report dead birds to @DefraGovUK by phoning 03459 33 55 77 and report sick birds to @RSPCA_official by phoning 03001 234 999.

For more information on , please visit:
https://gov.wales/report-and-dispose-dead-birds

Recently, a warning was issued to farmers iafter bird flu was found for the first time in a sheep in the UK. Experts found the case in Yorkshire during routine checks on premises where avian influenza had been found in captive birds.

The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer confirmed the case of influenza of avian origin (H5N1) in a single sheep in Yorkshire following repeat positive milk testing.

Report a suspicion

Contact your local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) office immediately on 0300 303 8268 if you suspect avian influenza.
APHA vets will investigate suspected cases.

For more information : Avian influenza (bird flu) | GOV.WALES

Don’t risk spreading bird flu

•   Keep to the footpaths with dogs on leads
•   Do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds
•   Do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings
•   If you keep poultry or other birds, wash your hands, clean and disinfect your footwear before tending to your birds
•   If you find any dead wild birds, please report online www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds or call the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77

Responsibilities of people who keep birds:

•   All keepers of kept birds should be vigilant for signs of the disease such as increased mortality, respiratory distress and drops in food or water intake, or egg production.
•   Consult your veterinary surgeon in the first instance if your birds are unwell.
•   If you or your vet suspect that avian influenza could be causing illness in your birds, you must, by law, report this to the Animal and Plant Health Agency. This will trigger a disease investigation by APHA vets.