Bird flu cases confirmed in Pembrokeshire and Wrexham
Protection zones mean stricter measures are in force in the area to contain the disease, while in the wider surveillance zones some restrictions may apply to movement.
The Welsh government said the occupiers of the affected premises must record all movement of people, poultry or other captive birds and their eggs in and out of the zones.Other steps include the housing or isolating of all birds, a stop to all spreading of poultry litter and manure except by a licensed veterinary inspector, and disposal of bird carcasses in accordance with inspectors' instructions.It said the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) was working "on implementing disease control measures" at both sites, adding it was "essential that all bird keepers take action now to check and reinforce hygiene and biosecurity measures to protect their birds".
Vet Phil Thomas said it was "a bit of a shock" to have two separate Welsh sites affected, adding the cases in Haverfordwest were close to where shorebirds live."The country is vigilant throughout the year now, not just during the winter months as we used to be, because that is the peak in terms of bird flu," he told Radio Cymru's Dros Frecwast programme."About a year ago things calmed down, and no cases occurred for several months. It's a bit of a disappointment that we have detection of the flu now."
What is bird flu?
Bird flu, or avian flu, is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds and, in rare cases, can affect humans.There are many different types, but the strains of biggest concern in the UK can be spread by close contact with an infected bird - dead or alive - as well as its droppings and surroundings.NHS advice urges people to avoid contact with live birds where possible, and to wash their hands often with warm water and soap, especially before and after handling food, in particular raw poultry.Other tips for avoiding the spread include using different utensils for cooked and raw meat, making sure meat is cooked until steaming hot.
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