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A poultry farmer has expressed deep concern over the potentially catastrophic impact avian flu could have on her operation, stating that there may be “no way back” if her birds were to become infected. In recent weeks, tens of thousands of turkeys and chickens across mid, west, and north Wales have been culled after outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 were confirmed. Industry experts have emphasized the severity of the situation, with Wales’ chief veterinary officer, Richard Irvine, confirming ongoing collaboration between the government and industry groups to manage the crisis.
Kate Postance, who runs Postance Poultry in Tremain, Ceredigion, currently has 500 free-range turkeys and 3,000 chickens confined indoors under a “flockdown” order designed to reduce the risk of contagion. She voiced her worries when she told the BBC, “I’m really worried – if any of our birds contracted it I don’t see a way back for us. I think we live in hope that someone, somewhere, will find a vaccine.” The mandatory housing rule requires poultry keepers in Wales with more than 50 birds to keep their flocks indoors; smaller flock owners must also comply if they sell or distribute eggs or meat. Similar regulations have been implemented in England and Northern Ireland this month.
Elsewhere in Wales, Alison Kennedy of Ffos Farm near Maesteg, Bridgend, shared the challenges of the outbreak and control measures. Typically, her 250 chickens roam freely outdoors, which she says adds “colour and character” to the farm. However, she has reluctantly moved them inside to ensure their safety and the viability of her business, which specializes in rare native livestock breeds and produces meat boxes and eggs. “I don’t like them being inside but it’s to safeguard the birds, our business and income,” she explained. Alongside enhanced biosecurity measures such as disinfectant mats and restricted access to poultry sheds, she stated bluntly, “If we were to have avian flu, it would finish me.”
Across Wales, multiple large commercial poultry units have been affected, with confirmed cases including farms hosting tens of thousands of turkeys and chickens in Pembrokeshire, Powys, and Denbighshire. This has prompted the establishment of control zones with tighter restrictions near outbreaks in several counties. Chris Thomas of Pencwarre Poultry in Llandygwydd, Ceredigion, described rising concern as cases have drawn closer to his farm, noting, “It’s definitely coming closer to home for us this year.” Protective equipment is being used to mitigate risk, but increased restrictions have slowed down the process of moving birds to customers. NFU Cymru’s Dafydd Jarrett warned of the virus’s potency, stating, “a teaspoon of faeces from an infected bird could kill a million turkeys,” and highlighted the extreme worry among farmers. He urged transparency from the Welsh government regarding investigation findings to help prevent further spread.
Chief veterinary officer Dr. Richard Irvine acknowledged the devastating impact of the disease, noting the current outbreak mirrors last year’s record number of confirmed cases. Cooperation continues between government authorities and the Animal and Plant Health Agency to control the spread. Dr. Irvine stressed that “hygiene and biosecurity are the best defence,” while reminding poultry keepers that avian flu is a notifiable disease, requiring prompt reporting to the authorities. Public health bodies including the UK Health Security Agency and Food Standards Agency have reassured the public, stating the risk to people is “very low” and that properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe for consumption
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