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Rural Resillience
Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability - Llyr Gruffydd

Prepare now, don't wait: Bird keepers urged to act ahead of winter bird flu risk

Paratowch nawr, peidiwch ag aros: Anogir ceidwaid adar i weithredu cyn perygl ffliw adar y gaeaf

  • All bird keepers in Wales are urged to review biosecurity now, ahead of the higher-risk winter period 
  • Strict biosecurity and hygiene is the most effective way to protect flocks from avian influenza 
  • Biosecurity self-assessment checklists are available to help keepers identify and close any gaps 

Bird keepers across Wales are being urged to prepare now, as the higher-risk winter period for avian influenza approaches. 

Every bird keeper in Wales, whether they keep a few pet birds or a large commercial flock, should act to protect their birds now, not wait until the risk increases.  

Keepers are asked to review their biosecurity today, complete a self-assessment checklist, and build good practice into their daily routine.  

Clinical signs of avian influenza may include a swollen head, blue discolouration of the neck and throat, loss of appetite, respiratory distress, diarrhoea, a drop in egg production, and increased mortality. 

Bird keepers who suspect avian influenza in their flock must contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) immediately on 0300 303 8268. 

Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Dr Richard Irvine, said:  

“Don't wait until the risk increases – the time to act is now. Check you have strict hygiene and biosecurity in place at all times as this is the single most effective way to protect your birds from avian influenza. 

“Simple, consistent measures, such as keeping bird areas and housing clean, limiting unnecessary visitors, and preventing contact with wild birds, all help reduce the risk of disease getting in.  

“I want to thank the bird keepers across Wales who remain vigilant and report any suspect signs of disease promptly to APHA. Your continued attention to biosecurity plays a vital part in protecting flocks across the country.” 

Notes to editors

  • The risk of avian influenza in Great Britain is traditionally greatest during the winter months, when migratory wild waterfowl can introduce the virus into the UK. 
  • Recommended biosecurity measures include minimising the movement of people in and out of bird enclosures, cleaning and disinfecting footwear and equipment, netting ponds and removing food sources that attract wild birds, keeping birds separate from wild waterfowl, feeding and watering birds in enclosed areas, and watching closely for signs of disease.  
  • The Welsh Government has published self-assessment checklists to help bird keepers review their biosecurity. These are available for keepers of small flocks (under 500 birds), commercial poultry keepers (500 birds or more), and keepers of game birds.  
  • All bird keepers in Wales are encouraged to complete the relevant checklist annually, take action on the findings and retain it as a record. 
  • Findings of dead wild birds should be reported to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.