New controls unveiled to curb bird flu spread

COMPULSORY HOUSING MEASURES START FROM TODAY

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POULTRY and captive bird keepers in Wales must house their birds from today as measures are introduced to combat the heightened risk of avian influenza.

Wales is facing a significantly elevated threat due to a growing number of cases in both kept and wild birds across Great Britain.

Avian influenza is of serious concern, not only for animal health and welfare, but also to the sustainability of food production and public health.

From today, it will be a legal requirement for all keepers of 50 or more birds of any species to house them.

Mandatory housing will also apply to flocks of less than 50 birds of any species if eggs or poultry products are sold or given away, due to the increased risk of disease transmission associated with trading or giving away poultry products.

Additional biosecurity requirements will also be introduced for the gamebird sector, which experienced avian influenza outbreaks last season.

The new compulsory housing measures will be incorporated into the existing Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) introduced in January.