Keepers encouraged to be vigilant as bird flu cases detected in Wrexham County Borough

Public Health Wales has reassured that the risk to public health from bird flu is very low. Credit: PA Images

Cases of Avian Influenza, or Bird Flu, have been identified in poultry and wild birds at a premises in the Wrexham County Borough area.

The Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop, confirmed that Temporary Disease Control zones have been imposed around the 'small' affected area, to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

An investigation is now underway, however dead wild birds found nearby have tested positive for the virus and are believed to be the source of infection.

The risk to public health is considered to be "very low" and Welsh Government said there is no food safety risk for UK consumers.

Members of the public are encouraged to not pick up or touch any sick or dead birds.

Humans cannot contract bird flu through eating fully cooked poultry or eggs, even in areas with an outbreak of the disease. Credit: PA Images

Ms Glossop, said: "Avian Influenza has been found in poultry and wild birds in the Wrexham area. This is further evidence of the need for all keepers of poultry and captive birds to ensure they have the very highest levels of biosecurity in place.

"Public Health Wales has said the risk to the health of the public from Avian Influenza is very low and the Food Standards Agency has made clear it does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.

"Temporary control zones have been imposed to help prevent further spread of the disease.

"Suspicion of avian influenza or any other notifiable disease must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately."

The last recorded case of bird flu in Wales was in January this year. These more recent cases in Wrexham follow similar findings of avian influenza detected elsewhere in the UK and Europe.

All bird keepers are being advised to stay vigilant for the signs of the disease. Things to look out for include birds displaying respiratory distress or an increased rate of mortality in the flock.

Keepers should seek out veterinary advice if they have any concerns about the health of their birds.