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Avian Flu Threatens Welsh Poultry Farmer's Livelihood
24 Nov
Summary
- Poultry farmer fears business collapse if avian flu strikes.
- Thousands of birds culled recently due to HPAI H5N1 cases.
- Farmer's 500 turkeys and 3,000 chickens are in lockdown.
The specter of avian flu looms large over Welsh poultry farmers, with one farmer expressing fears of irreparable business damage should the disease reach her farm. Recent weeks have seen the culling of tens of thousands of turkeys and chickens across mid, west, and north Wales following numerous outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1.
Industry leaders have stressed the critical importance of addressing concerns surrounding the spread of HPAI H5N1, while Wales' chief vet described the current situation as 'severe.' Government officials are collaborating with industry bodies to manage the ongoing crisis effectively.
In Ceredigion, farmer Kate Postance has implemented a strict 'flockdown' for her 500 free-range turkeys and 3,000 chickens. This precautionary measure aims to shield her birds from the highly contagious and potentially devastating avian flu virus, highlighting the urgent need for biosecurity protocols.
