Bird flu strikes Welshpool as protection zone set up

A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been declared around a premises just south of Welshpool after bird flu was revealed yesterday.

The Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales has confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, is present on the premises, which has not been named but is shown on official maps to be near Fron, by Forden.

The officer confirmed that all poultry there will be “humanely culled”.

The strict measures came into play last night at 5.30pm, and will continue until “this declaration is revoked or amended by further declaration”.

Wales has been under an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone declaration since January 30, when strict biosecurity measures for all bird keepers were introduced to help prevent the spread of avian influenza from wild birds or any other source.

These include:

• completing the Mandatory biosecurity self-assessment checklist
• taking steps to avoid virus contamination within and between premises
• keeping records available on demand for bird movements, death and disposal
• keeping non-housed birds in fenced enclosed outdoor areas
• restrictions on moving wild game birds caught during the open season

But several cases have been recorded on both sides of the border recently and last night’s Welshpool confirmation has put the crucial local poultry industry on high alert.