Council confirms case of bird flu in Newtown, Powys

Powys County Council confirmed a case of the highly pathogenic Avian influenza H5N1, otherwise known as bird flu, was found at the site.

A 3km captive bird-controlled zone has been declared around the infected premises, to limit the risk of disease spread. Within this zone, bird movements and gatherings are restricted and all holdings that keep birds must be declared.

A Defra map shows a 3km control zone is in place centring on a site just north of Bettws Cedewain.

Cllr Richard Church, cabinet member for a safer Powys, said: “It is vital keepers of birds remain vigilant and ensure they have the very highest levels of biosecurity in place.

“It is also important people do not touch or pick up any sick or dead birds to avoid spreading the virus.

“Public health advice remains that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.”

READ MORE: Bird flu identified in fox in Powys for the first time

Powys County Council is advising bird owners in the area to be vigilant for signs of the disease such as increased mortality, respiratory distress and drops in food or water intake, or egg production.

Bird owners must also “apply strict biosecurity measures to prevent any materials, equipment, vehicles, clothing, feed or bedding that could have been contaminated from wild birds coming onto your premises”.

The council says bird owners should consult a veterinary surgeon in the first instance if their birds are unwell.

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It is also reminding bird owners that if they or their vet suspect that avian influenza could be causing illness in their birds, they must, by law, report this to the Animal and Plant Health Agency – which will trigger a disease investigation by APHA vets.

If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.

For the latest updates on Avian influenza (bird flu) visit https://gov.wales/avian-influenza-bird-flu-latest-update

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