On May 26, Coed Y Dinas Nature Reserve in Welshpool was among the areas to re-open following a suspected outbreak of Avian Influenza. Two other areas near Newtown have seen their own 3km zones lifted.
A number of dead birds were found on the reserve in April, triggering concern that the area had been struck by an outbreak of bird flu, fording the temporary closure of the reserve.
Having dealt with the dead birds and closely monitoring the situation for the past several weeks, officers say they are confident the outbreak has now passed.
Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust stated on social media: “We are relieved that things can get back to normal.
“We will continue to monitor the reserve for any signs of dead birds, so please keep an eye on our website and social media pages to keep up to date with the reserve, but hopefully we can continue to keep it open.
“If you are visiting the reserve and do see a dead bird, please report it to us straight away, either via Facebook or email [email protected], or by calling 01938 555654.”
Elsewhere in Powys, a number of 3km protection zones that were enforced in April have now been lifted, though the 10km surveillance zones remain in place.
The two zones were put in place just days apart, when a commercial poultry premises near Pentre Llifior joined a confirmed case near Bettws Cedewain, both just outside of Newtown.
A 3km protection zone, as well as a 10km surveillance zone, were declared around the infected premises to limit the risk of disease spread.
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The protection zones increased the restrictions placed on farms in the area that include the isolation of captive birds, record keeping of visitors and strict hygiene measures.
While the restrictions have been lifted, Powys County Council has advised that all bird owners 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 are asked to consult veterinary surgeon in the first instance if their birds are unwell, and if they suspect Avian Influenza could be causing the illness of their bird they are required by law to report this to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
Cllr Richard Church, Powys County Council’s cabinet member for a safer Powys, said: “It is vital keepers of birds have the very highest levels of biosecurity in place, so that we can stop this highly infectious disease from spreading to more flocks.”
