Bird flu confirmed in Wales

Bird flu has been confirmed at a farm in Wales, but it is not the virulent and potentially-fatal-for-humans strain H5N1, but another, called H7N2. There is now a 1km exclusion zone around the farm.

According to a BBC report, the owners of the farm bought 15 Rhode Island Red chickens two weeks ago. The first chicken became ill on 7 May, and 10 of them were dead by 17 May. All the birds are now dead. Possible sources of infection are still being investigated, health authorities say.

Two adults who had close conatct with the birds have developed flu-like symptoms. They are being treated, as a precaution, but if they have been infected, are not expected to become seriously ill.

"We have no reason to believe this is spreading rapidly," said Dr Christianne Glossop, Wales's chief vet. She added "While we are taking it very seriously, this is a low pathogenic avian flu."

She advised nearby bird keepers to watch their flocks for flu-symptoms, but said farmers were not being asked to move their birds indoors.

Other birds from the affected farm, including two geese, are being slaughtered today. ®