The temporary suspension was introduced in December 2016 after the declaration of the whole of Wales as an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone. This followed the confirmation of the H5N8 strain of Avian Influenza across European countries, the Middle East and North Africa.

Last week, the Cabinet Secretary confirmed the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone would not be replaced after its expiry on 30 April. The temporary suspension on gatherings of some species of birds in Wales, however, remained.

The lifting of the temporary suspension, from 15 May, follows an updated evidence-based risk assessment and is dependent on no further outbreaks of H5N8 in poultry or other captive birds or findings in wild birds. 

The Cabinet Secretary said:

“I have taken this decision based upon the latest qualitative risk assessment, which considered the risk of incursion of H5N8 into poultry farms from contact primarily with resident wild waterfowl, but also with other possible pathways.  

“The updated assessment concluded the overall risk should now be assessed as low, this is defined as being ‘rare, but may occur occasionally’. The overall risk is determined by the likelihood of the virus remaining in wild birds and the environment and the exposure to poultry. 

“Expert opinion is that the risk to poultry is reduced as migratory wild birds leave Great Britain and as the resident wild waterfowl enters its breeding season.  Environmental contamination will also reduce with warmer, drier weather and higher UV levels.  Therefore, the risk of exposure to poultry is low as the resident wild waterfowl enters the breeding season they become less gregarious and the possibility of environmental contamination reduces.       

“The overall risk presented by gatherings is also reduced, provided there are high levels of biosecurity at the gathering, ensuring species do not mix and cleansing and disinfection is carried out.   

“Provided there are no further outbreaks or findings, the current general licence will be revoked and replaced on 15 May by a new general licence allowing all gatherings of birds.”

The Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop added:

“While I am sure this news will be welcomed by poultry and other captive bird keepers I would remind them it is vital they remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain excellent biosecurity practices.”

“The cruise market has been highlighted in the tourism strategy for Wales as one way of growing the tourism industry in Wales by 10% by 2020 and Cruise is one of the fastest growing sectors year on year. We are working with many outside stakeholders and are looking at various infrastructure developments for the cruise market.  I hope that both the cruise operators and passengers are impressed with what Wales has to offer and will return again in the future.”

“I am pleased to approve this funding that will enable the Museum to remain open until 2020. 

“It will mean that visitors to the Castle can continue to enjoy all the Museum has to offer and gain an insight into the long history of the Royal Welch Fusiliers through the variety of letters, poems and photographs and other exhibits on show.

“The Museum has been providing an invaluable service since the 1960s and I am delighted that this grant will mean the service can continue to the next decade and beyond.” 

“The trustees of the Royal Welch Fusiliers welcome this announcement and value the long association with Cadw and the Welsh Government.”

The Annual Statement of Progress for Diabetes highlights that the number of children and young people with Type 1 diabetes achieving blood glucose in the target range has increased from 17.8 % (2014-15) to 27.2% (2015-16).

Meanwhile, the number of these with high blood glucose levels reduced from 21.6% (2014-15) to 18.6% (2015-16).

The rates of young people undergoing essential key care processes such as foot and kidney checks have also improved.

The report also shows:

• A decrease in the rate of people dying from cardiovascular disease, which has a high prevalence among people with diabetes
• Improved care for patients in hospital people with diabetes, with a decrease in the average length of stay 
• Better opportunities for patients to inform diabetes services
• Improved care for pregnant women with diabetes
• The success of the diabetic retinopathy screening service 
• The ‘Think Glucose’ project is supporting quality improvement of patient care whilst in a hospital

The report sets out the progress made against the Diabetes Delivery Plan. Speaking ahead of a debate later today [Tuesday 2 May] on diabetes services in Wales, Health Secretary, Vaughan Gething, said:

“This report demonstrates that paediatric diabetes care has made significant strides in the quality of care and the outcomes being achieved over the past six years. The impact of the improvement in blood glucose levels, as well as those in some essential care processes, will reduce the risk of future complications significantly. This is good news for children and young people.

“As well as the improvements in paediatric diabetes care, we have seen improved hospital care, a decrease in the rate of people dying from cardiovascular disease, and better engagement with patients.

“One of our key aims over the coming years will be to continue to work closely with the public on prevention. While there are no lifestyle factors associated with Type 1 diabetes, we must all reduce our risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by being active,  eating a healthy balanced diet and maintaining a healthy body weight.”  

Dr Andrew Goodall, Chief Executive of NHS Wales, said:

“Diabetes can have a major impact on the physical and psychological well-being of individuals and their families. However with careful management, healthy lifestyle choices and good blood glucose control the risks of complications are markedly reduced. 

“During 2015-16 there was continued progress in the care of patients with diabetes in Wales. At an all Wales level, there have been infrastructure improvements including the creation of a number of national leadership posts and delivery structures.

“However, we continue to work to ensure standards are consistently high across the system and that people get the support they need. Ensuring adults with diabetes receive all eight health checks is a priority, which is why we are working with the NHS to ensure the checks are completed and providing more diabetes education opportunities so people are better able to self-manage their condition.”