Avian influenza has been confirmed in a single wigeon-type duck in Wales.

Disease found in dead wild duck

Avian influenza H5N8 has been detected in a dead wild duck in Carmarthenshire, Wales, Defra has confirmed.

The disease was confirmed today (22 December) by Welsh chief veterinary officer Christianne Glossop in a single wigeon-type duck.

It is the same strain of avian influenza found at a turkey farm in Lincolnshire last week. But experts say there is no suggestion that disease has spread from that farm.

“This is the same strain we have seen in Lincolnshire and across Europe and this finding is not unexpected,” commented chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens.

“As this is a wild bird, it highlights the importance for poultry keepers to follow our clear advice on biosecurity and to comply fully with the prevention zone and temporary gatherings ban, announced earlier this month.”

Following the finding in Wales, Defra has reduced the reporting thresholds for wild bird surveillance to single birds of specified species known to be infected in Europe.

Public Heath England has made it clear that the risk to public heath is very low and the Food Standards Agency has confirmed that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk to UK consumers.

“We are working with ornithological groups to further strengthen surveillance and will continue to consider any other proportionate measures available to us to limit the risk of spread to poultry,” added Mr Gibbens.

The Prevention Zone requires all keepers of poultry and other captive birds to keep their birds indoors or take appropriate steps to keep them separate and protect them from wild birds.

On Tuesday (20 December), Defra temporarily suspended gatherings of some bird species to further protect poultry and captive birds.

Responding, the BVA, the BVA Welsh Branch and the BVPA urged all vets and poultry keepers to remain vigilant to signs of the disease and heed the biosecurity advice issued by the Welsh Government.

“Any suspicion of avian influenza should be reported to the APHA as soon as possible,” they add.

For further advice on Avian Influenza, contact the APHA helpline on 03459 335577.