Wales will introduce compulsory confinement for all poultry and captive birds from Thursday (13 November) as the country faces what ministers described as an “extremely high” risk of bird flu.
The Welsh Government has announced new measures after a spike in bird flu cases across the UK, affecting both captive and wild birds. Officials warn that the virus poses a major threat not only to animal welfare, but also to food production and public health.
If you have more than 50 birds of any kind, you must keep them indoors. The same rules apply to small flocks when eggs or poultry products are sold or given away, as the transaction increases the risk of spreading disease. Additional biosecurity regulations are being introduced in the game bird sector, which was hit by an outbreak last season.
These measures form part of the existing Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), which was first established in January. England and Northern Ireland already have similar housing orders in place, with all poultry in England banned from November 6. Mr Defra said a national housing order was needed to “prevent bird flu and stop its spread”.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Rural Affairs Hugh Ilanka-Davies said the decision had been taken after careful consideration. “We continue to actively review our measures,” he explained.
“The risk of disease has increased further in recent times since the introduction of the AIPZ earlier this year, and Wales currently faces very high levels of avian influenza risk.
“This decision has not been taken lightly but is necessary to protect both bird populations and the livelihoods of poultry farmers across Wales.”
He urged bird owners to “adhere to these requirements and maintain the highest standards of biosecurity”, acknowledging that while restrictions would be difficult, “by acting now we can prevent the spread of this disease and protect our flocks”.
Dr Richard Irvine, chief veterinary officer for Wales, said: “The number of cases of avian influenza in domestic and wild birds is rapidly increasing.”
He stressed that while the housing order was essential, “it is not a substitute for strict hygiene and biosecurity”. He encouraged zookeepers to use the official biosecurity checklist and “remain vigilant, report any suspected cases of disease immediately and ensure compliance with mandatory enhanced biosecurity requirements.”
The Housing Order and AIPZ remain in force until further notice as they are under continuous review by the Welsh Government in collaboration with the Animal and Plant Health Authority and other public authorities in the UK.
Experts have warned that this year’s coronavirus outbreak could be the most contagious yet. Professor Ian Brown, from the Purbright Institute, said the virus circulating among farm flocks was “as contagious as any highly pathogenic avian influenza we’ve ever seen”.
He urged farmers to “prepare for the worst”, adding that the industry must “strengthen safety measures, review biosecurity and redouble efforts” to contain the disease.
With the winter migration underway, vigilance and strict compliance will be crucial to contain the UK’s most virulent bird flu outbreak to date, officials have warned.
