Statement by Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs on Avian Influenza

“I have carefully considered, with advice from our Chief Veterinary Officer, the decision by DEFRA to implement an AI prevention zone to cover all of England, following the raising of the risk level for poultry to “medium” and for wild birds to “high”.

“There is currently no evidence to indicate the presence of avian influenza in Wales and the veterinary risk does not warrant placing compulsory controls on a country wide basis. The finding of avian influenza is in wild birds, not poultry or captive birds, and following veterinary advice I do not consider it is proportionate to declare statutory controls in Wales. We will continue to closely monitor the situation, keep the need for controls under review and encourage poultry keepers to be vigilant and adhere to strict biosecurity protocols to protect their birds. We are ready to step up measures should the situation change.”