Ministers Urge Caution as Bird Flu Prevention Zone Lifted in Wales
Authorities say the risk to poultry has fallen, but bird keepers are urged to maintain strict biosecurity as wild birds continue to carry the virus.
- On Thursday, June 4, 2026, the Chief Veterinary Officer confirmed lifting Avian Influenza Prevention Zones across Great Britain after risk assessment downgraded transmission from wild to kept birds from 'medium' to 'low'.
- These measures were first introduced in England on December 13, 2024, to protect flocks from the virus, while Wales implemented the Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone in January 2025 with strict biosecurity requirements.
- Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said, "The evidence clearly shows that the risk of avian influenza to poultry across Great Britain has reduced, making this the right time to lift the Prevention Zones," but cautioned, "Low risk does not mean no risk."
- Richard Irvine, Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, urged keepers to maintain vigilance, stating, "Vigilance and prompt reporting of any suspicion of disease also remain absolutely vital."
- Bird keepers must continue limiting contact with wild birds and disinfecting equipment; suspected cases must be reported to APHA or via the Defra Rural Services Helpline at 03000 200 301.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Bird flu prevention zones lifted across Great Britain - Defra
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the prevention zones for avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in place across Great Britain have been lifted as of noon today (Thursday, June 4). Defra outlined that these measures were first introduced in England on December 13, 2024, with Scotland and Wales following suit in late January 2025. The department lifted the prevention zones following its lates…
Avian flu prevention zone lifted across Wales
BIRD keepers in Wales are being urged to remain vigilant after the all-Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone was lifted today. Mandatory biosecurity measures for poultry and other captive birds were introduced in January 2025 to help prevent the spread of avian influenza from wild birds and other sources. The Welsh Government said the decision to lift the remaining measures follows the latest outbreak assessment, which reduced the risk of bird f…
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