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A ban on poultry gatherings launched greater than two years in the past to cease the unfold of hen flu has been lifted in Wales.
The ban, which utilized to poultry together with pheasants, chickens, and turkeys, and peacocks, was launched in November 2021.
Dr Richard Irvine, the chief veterinary officer for Wales, stated: “Poultry keepers have labored laborious to guard their birds from the dangers of avian influenza [bird flu] by implementing robust biosecurity and different measures, and I need to thank them once more for all they’ve accomplished.
“I am pleased we are now able to allow gatherings of Galliforme birds to resume. This is a welcome development, enabled by the support and co-operation of the poultry sector.”
However, gatherings of Anseriforme birds, which incorporates geese, geese, and swans, will stay banned – with the an infection danger nonetheless deemed too excessive.
Dr Irvine continued: “Gatherings of all sorts of birds, besides Anseriforme birds, will likely be permitted throughout Wales, offered keepers observe and meet all the necessities of the final licence.
“This doesn’t imply the danger of avian influenza has disappeared.
“Scrupulous hygiene and biosecurity are essential to protect flocks from the threat of disease, and it is important bird keepers continue to complete the biosecurity self-assessment checklist.”
He added: “All of our mitigation measures, including restrictions on bird gatherings, are kept under constant review, to help ensure the national flock is protected.”
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Welsh Government
