Avian influenza confirmed on North Wales farm

The Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Dr Christianne Glossop (pictured), has today confirmed a case of avian influenza in birds in North Wales. The strain identified is H7N2 low pathogenic avian influenza which is different to the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain currently circulating in South East Asia, and in Europe last year.

In a statement released earlier today, Dr Glossop confirmed that the GB and Wales contingency plans had been activated. In line with this, the farm had been placed under restriction and a 1km restriction zone has been placed around the infected premises.

Within this zone, birds and bird products cannot be moved, bird gatherings can only take place under licence from Animal Health, we are advising poultry keepers to observe strict biosecurity measures.

The 30 remaining birds on the farm are being slaughtered today and the source of infection is being investigated.

Dr Glossop said: "We would like to remind poultry keepers to report any suspicious signs of a notifiable avian disease to their local Animal Health Divisional Office.

"Avian influenza is a disease of birds. It is very rare for humans to become infected and, even then, it is normally associated with close contact with infected birds. The risk to the health of the general public is very low."

The statement reported that routine tests were being carried out on people who work on the farm and anybody else who had been in close contact, adding that the small number of people who had potentially come into contact was very low.

Further information

Welsh Assembly Government

Food Standards Agency