Bird Flu Plans Ready

By GREG TINDLE South Wales Echo

Plans for tackling outbreaks of disease among animals – including bird flu – have been drawn up by the Assembly Government. The plans also include foot and mouth disease among farm livestock. Carwyn Jones, minister for the environment, said: ‘There have been cases of avian influenza virus in birds in France, which increases the likelihood of infection spreading to birds in the UK.

‘It is important to remember that avian influenza is a disease of birds and it is extremely rare for humans to become infected.

‘But it is vital that bird keepers and members of the public are vigilant and report any unusual illness or deaths among birds to the Defra helpline on 08459 335577.’