The ‘Prevention Zone’ covering the mainland Britain has been extended until 28th February after bird flu was detected in a backyard flock of ducks and chickens in Carmarthenshire, Wales.

H5N8 bird flu is still circling on the continent, and government officials established a prevention zone following an outbreak of the disease on a farm in Lincolnshire on 16th December. In the run up to Christmas, more cases of the disease were detected in wild birds in England, Wales and Scotland and surveillance and disease prevention measures were stepped up. A ban on gatherings which will feature at-risk species of birds and a requirement for poultry-keepers to prevent contact between their birds and wild birds were set for re-evaluation in January. However, in light of the case in Wales, these measures have been extended.

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the infected premises in Pontyberem, Carmarthenshire, to limit the risk of the disease spreading. The H5N8 virus was detected in wild birds in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire on 22nd December.
 
On Wednesday, Defra’s Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens said, “The Prevention Zone means anyone who keeps poultry such as chickens, ducks and geese, even as pets, must take action to stop them coming into contact with wild birds to protect them from avian flu.

“Birds should be moved into a suitable building, or if that isn’t possible owners must take sensible precautions to keep them away from wild birds, like putting up netting to create a temporary enclosure and keeping food and water supplies inside where they cannot be contaminated by wild birds.

“Even when birds are kept indoors a risk of infection remains so keepers must also practice good biosecurity, for example by disinfecting footwear and equipment and washing clothing after contact with birds.”

Wales’ Chief Vet Christianne Glossop, who confirmed the case in Pontyberem on Tuesday, added, “The Prevention Zone and temporary suspension on gathering of poultry remain in place.

“It is extremely important that bird keepers practice the very highest levels of biosecurity. Even when birds are housed, there remains a risk of infection and keepers of poultry and other captive birds should ensure every effort is made to prevent contact with wild birds. The movement of poultry should be minimized, and clothing and equipment should always be disinfected.”

Neil Paton, president of the Welsh branch of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), said, “Tight biosecurity, such as maintaining high levels of cleanliness and hygiene and not allowing visitors to come close to your birds, alongside preventing contact with wild birds are crucial to stopping the spread of this disease.
 
“Signs of avian flu can vary between species of bird and could range from very mild signs like seeming ‘off colour’ or reduced feed or water intakes through to the severity of death.  If you are concerned about your flock, please speak to your local vet. Anyone with suspicion of the disease in their birds should report this to the Animal Plant and Health Agency on 0300 303 8268 immediately.”
 
Anyone who finds dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or gulls, or five or more dead wild birds of other species in the same location, is urged to report the finding to the Defra helpline on 03459 335577.  

All bird keepers are being asked to take extra biosecurity steps, including:

• minimising direct and indirect contact between poultry and wild birds
• making sure that feed and water can’t be accessed by wild birds
• taking all reasonable precautions to avoid the transfer of contamination between premises, including cleansing and disinfection of equipment, vehicles and footwear
• reducing the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry or captive birds are kept
• implementing effective vermin control programmes around buildings where poultry or captive birds are kept
• thoroughly cleansing and disinfecting housing and equipment at the end of a production cycle
• keeping Defra-approved disinfectant at the right concentration at key points such as farm entrances and entrances to bird houses