June 04, 2026 - 247 views
Bird keepers across Wales are being urged to remain vigilant despite the lifting of the all-Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) today.
The Welsh Government announced that mandatory biosecurity measures for poultry and other captive birds, which have been in place since January 2025, have now been removed following a reduction in the assessed risk of bird flu transmission from wild birds.
The decision follows the removal of mandatory housing measures in April and comes after the latest outbreak assessment downgraded the risk of avian influenza spreading from wild birds to kept birds in Great Britain from “medium” to “low”.
Wales has coordinated the move with authorities in England and Scotland, where equivalent prevention zones have also been lifted.
However, Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer, Richard Irvine, stressed that bird keepers should not become complacent.
“I am pleased the latest reduction in avian influenza risk means we are now able to lift the all-Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone,” he said.
“This is good news for our bird keepers, and I would like to thank the sector, who have worked hard and shown great vigilance through a sustained and challenging period.
“I also want to be very clear that low risk does not mean no risk.
“Avian influenza remains a serious disease, and we know that conditions can change. I urge every bird keeper, no matter the size or type of flock, to keep protecting their birds – from bird flu and other diseases.”
The warning comes after a prolonged period of heightened concern over bird flu outbreaks across the UK and Europe, which led to strict biosecurity and housing requirements aimed at protecting commercial flocks, smallholders and captive birds.
Although the legal requirements have now ended, the Welsh Government is encouraging bird keepers to continue following good biosecurity practices. These include keeping bird housing clean and tidy, restricting access to birds, minimising contact between captive and wild birds, regularly disinfecting equipment, clothing and footwear, and reporting any signs of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Mr Irvine said good hygiene remained the most effective defence against avian influenza and other diseases, adding that vigilance and prompt reporting continued to be essential.
The Welsh Government said it will continue to monitor the bird flu situation closely and has reminded bird keepers that guidance on protecting flocks remains available through official channels.
While the lifting of the AIPZ marks a welcome milestone for the poultry sector, officials have underlined that the threat of avian influenza has not disappeared and that maintaining strong biosecurity standards remains crucial.
