By Debbie James

THE organisers of agricultural shows across Wales are still none the clearer on whether they can host poultry competitions this summer.

The Welsh Government lifted the avian influenza prevention zone on April 30 but the temporary suspension on gatherings of some species of birds will remain as “additional evidence is considered’’.

Alan Davies, of Solva, who is both a poultry show organiser and a competitor, welcomed the lifting of the restriction on giving poultry outdoor access but said it was difficult to plan for shows this summer.

“We are all in limbo at the moment but first things first, we are very relieved that the housing restriction has been lifted,’’ he said.

The Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, said the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) had been closely monitoring the situation and preparing updated outbreak risk assessments.

“The most recent, evidence-based veterinary risk assessment concluded there remains a low to medium risk of resident wild waterfowl being infected with H5N8,’’ she said.

“Meanwhile, the exposure assessment risk for poultry farms is low, but heightened, and will depend on the biosecurity measures on each farm. This level is consistent with November 2016, when disease was present across Europe in sporadic outbreaks and occasional wild bird findings were being reported.’’

Although the risk zone has not been reinstated, she warned that avian influenza remained a ‘’constant and real threat’’ to poultry and other captive birds.

Chief veterinary officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop, urged all keepers of poultry and other domestic captive birds to remain alert for signs of the disease, and to contact their vets if they have any concerns.

“It is essential all keepers maintain effective biosecurity practices, such as considering and updating self-assessment forms, cleansing and disinfecting all clothing, equipment and vehicles with approved disinfectants and implementing effective pest control measures to minimise the opportunities of contact between their birds and wild birds and wildlife.’’

Poultry keepers with 50 birds or more must register their flocks on the Poultry Register.