Agenda and minutes

Question:

Further to the reply to the Question from Cllr. Elwyn Vaughan: if Avian flu does appear in Powys what advice will be given to Keepers of free range Poultry?  And given to usual precautions would be to house poultry to prevent the spread of the virus what are the animal welfare implications of that advice?

Response by the Portfolio Holder:

The National Animal Health and Welfare Panel are this week considering whether any guidance needs to be issued and or updated.  Any guidance issued will be shared.

In terms of the broader disease picture, ACTSO is currently representing authorities at daily National Disease Control Centre Meetings. There are three confirmed cases in Kent, Cheshire West and Chester and Herefordshire. Initial results for suspect cases in Suffolk and Norfolk have been negative. 

We are currently in the process of drafting a press release based on the information given in the following link:-

Welsh Government press release

The welfare of free range poultry required to be housed would remain the responsibility of the owner, and the welfare implications of such a restriction would vary from premise to premise. 

Defra`s Animal Welfare Team and the Welsh Government are responsible for providing any welfare guidance associated with any disease restrictions put in place, such guidance has yet to be issued