Bird flu cases have been confirmed in Ceredigion.

Ceredigion County Council announced this afternoon that the Animal and Plant Health Agency has confirmed the detection of avian influenza in two dead birds within the boundary of RSPB Ynys-hir, Eglywsfach, between Aberystwyth and Machynlleth.

The affected birds are known to be wild birds. No cases in captive birds within the locality have currently been identified.

There are no exclusion zones established in cases of wild bird infection. However, staff from Ceredigion County Council`s Public Protection service are contacting neighbouring farms to give advice and guidance. They are also liaising with colleagues in the APHA and neighbouring authorities.

The RSPB Ynys-hir reserve is closed today in response to the cases, and they are currently looking into measures to protect the public.

Visitors are encouraged to stay away from the area to prevent possible further spread of the Avian Flu infection until more information is given. Any updates to the opening of their facilities will be advertised on their Facebook page.

Infected wild birds could cause infection to premises where poultry, game birds, pet or other captive birds are kept. This could be through direct or indirect contact. Therefore, these cases are further evidence for the need for keepers of birds to remain vigilant to the threat of avian influenza and the need to practice enhanced biosecurity to prevent the onward transmission of avian influenza within the locality.

Measures such as the following are mandatory as required by the All Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone:

• Ensure the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, for example, by netting ponds and by removing wild bird food sources

• Feed and water your birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds

• Minimise movement of people in and out of bird enclosures

• Clean and disinfect footwear and keep areas where birds live clean and tidy

• Reduce any existing contamination by cleansing and disinfecting concrete areas and fencing off wet or boggy areas

• Keep domestic ducks and geese separate from other poultry

Further information on the Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone can be found on the Welsh Government’s website.

Cllr Gareth Lloyd, cabinet member responsible for public protection services, stated: “Although the requirement for mandatory housing of captive birds has not yet been declared, it is advisable that keepers of birds within large poultry farms and those with captive birds in the vicinity of the nature reserve to consider housing their birds within enclosed accommodation.”

All poultry keepers should also be vigilant for signs of disease in their flocks, including newly deceased birds, and to report any suspicion immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency on 0300 1000 313 or at [email protected].

The most common symptoms for avian flu are as follows:

• swollen heads

• a blue colouration of the comb and wattles

• ocular and nasal discharge

• dullness

• lack of appetite

• respiratory distress

• diarrhoea

• significant drop in egg production

If you notice any of these symptoms in any live bird, contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency on 0300 1000 313, or the local authority at [email protected] on 01545 570881.

The risk of transmission between birds and humans is very low. Nevertheless you should not touch any dead birds. The following guidance from the NHS provides further information on the risk of avian flu: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bird-flu/