A CASE of bird flu has been identified in a wild bird in the Vale of Glamorgan.

The Welsh Government has been informed that a strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N6) virus was found in in a buzzard in Barry – the first such discovery in Wales this year.

The bird was found dead and was submitted by a Non-Governmental Organisation for testing as part of wild bird surveillance

The finding of the disease follows the introduction of a Prevention Zone in Wales on 25 January, which requires all keepers of poultry and other captive birds to take appropriate and practicable steps to prevent the spread of the disease.

The veterinary risk is not considered to have increased for either wild or captive birds in Wales as a result of the finding, and the strain discovered does not affect humans.

The risk to public health has been described as negligible.

Cabinet secretary for energy, planning and rural affairs Lesley Griffiths said: “The finding of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N6 in a wild bird in Barry follows recent findings of the disease in wild birds in England and across Europe. This finding is not unexpected at this time of year and there is a constant risk of the disease at this time.

Senior veterinary officer for Wales Dr Gavin Watkins said: “This is the first finding this year in Wales and reminds us all of the risk of avian influenza infection. Bird keepers must remain vigilant for signs of disease and I cannot stress enough the importance of practicing the very highest levels of biosecurity.

“The movement of poultry should be minimised, and clothing and equipment should always be cleansed and disinfected before and after their use.”

If poultry keepers are concerned about the health of their birds they should seek advice from their veterinary surgeon. If they suspect their birds have AI, they should report it to their local Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately.

If members of the public find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or gulls, or five or more dead wild birds of other species in the same location, they should report them to the Defra helpline on: 03459 33 55 77 or email: defra.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk.

More information on Avian Influenza, the current situation in Wales and across the UK and advice for backyard keepers is available on the Welsh Government’s website.