BVA, BVA Welsh Branch and BVPA respond to confirmation of avian influenza found in a wild duck in Wales The Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales has confirmed today (22 December) a finding of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N8 in a wild duck, a wigeon, in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire.

The Prevention Zones (housing orders) previously announced on Tuesday, December 6 remain in place in England, Scotland and Wales. Poultry and captive bird keepers should continue to house their birds, where practicable, maintain their biosecurity and remain vigilant about the health of their birds.

Earlier this week steps were taken to further protect poultry and captive birds by introducing a temporary suspension on gatherings of poultry. Poultry keepers, including those with fewer than 50 birds, are encouraged to provide details of their flocks to the Poultry Register. This will ensure they can be contacted immediately in the event of an avian disease outbreak so that they can take action to protect their flock at the earliest opportunity.

Members of the public are encouraged to report dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or gulls (species known to be infected in Europe), or five or more dead wild birds of other species in the same location, to the APHA helpline on 03459 335577.

The advice from Public Health England (PHE) is that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has stated that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers. Thoroughly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA), BVA Welsh Branch and the British Veterinary Poultry Association (BVPA) responded: “The identification of Avian Influenza in a wild bird in Wales illustrates both the ongoing importance of a robust veterinary surveillance system and the risk of infection to domestic poultry from wild birds. BVA, BVA Welsh Branch and BVPA urge all vets and poultry keepers to remain vigilant to signs of the disease and heed the biosecurity advice issued by the Welsh Government. Any suspicion of avian influenza should be reported to the APHA as soon as possible.

“We’d like to also emphasise that the risk to public health from this strain is very low and that the Food Standards Agency has made clear that there is no food safety risk to consumers, with thoroughly cooked poultry and poultry products still safe to eat.”

For further advice on Avian Influenza contact the APHA helpline on 03459 335577.