Flu wings its way across Europe (From Western Telegraph)

Flu wings its way across Europe

As bird flu comes closer than ever to Pembrokeshire, with recent outbreaks in Western Europe, a contingency plan has been published this month by the Welsh Assembly, outlining how they would tackle an outbreak here.

Through February and March, the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus was detected in ducks in France, Sweden and Denmark. There have also been cases in swans in Germany, Austria, Greece and Italy, stepping up fears that the disease will reach the UK.

The Welsh plan complements the UK plan, outlining the systems, structures, lines of communication and decision-making processes in Wales.

Minister for the countryside, Carwyn Jones, said: "There have been confirmed cases of the avian influenza virus in birds in France, which does increase the likelihood of infection spreading to birds in the UK. "The contingency plan formalises the steps that would be taken should avian flu arrive here."

Chief veterinary officer for Wales, Dr Christianne Glossop, said:

"Infectious disease does not respect geographical boundaries, so it is vital we take a Great Britain-wide approach and, as such, we are working very closely with other UK governments."

Added Carwyn Jones: "The disease can have a devastating effect on affected flocks and it is vital that bird keepers and the public are vigilant and report any unusual illness or deaths among birds to Defra."

However, there was optimism from some quarters. According to Chris Davis, head of wildlife disease at the Game Conservancy Trust, infected birds were pushed west into Germany, Austria, Greece and Italy by severe weather in the east and therefore the chances of such birds reaching the UK is still low.

But, he admitted: "This is not just a short-term issue. This condition has been circulating in the Far East for nearly a decade and so we will have to face the threat of avian flu outbreaks for the foreseeable future."

He also warned that there is an increased, but still low, risk that spring migration of infected birds from Africa to the UK could bring the disease to our shores.

The Soil Association has reported a growth of 35% in the organic poultry market over the last year, in a trend possibly influenced by the bird flu scare.

Any unusual illness or deaths among birds should be reported to the Defra helpline on 08459 335577.