Two tested after bird flu outbreak

Dr Christianne Glossop, Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, said it was not the most dangerous H5N1 strain but H7N2 low pathogenic avian influenza.

She said: "We have no reason to believe that the viral infection is spreading rapidly within this small population. This isn't another East Anglia situation at the moment."

Thirty chickens were being slaughtered at the smallholding in Corwen after 15 birds died. The dead birds were 22-week-old Rhode Island Red chickens which were bought by the smallholding two weeks ago, bringing their total number of chickens to 45.

But one of the new chickens died the day after it was taken to the farm and now all of them are dead. Tests were carried out after the farm's owners contacted their own vet. It was only learned on Wednesday that tests had detected the virus, and further tests to confirm this were carried out through the night.

A 1km restriction zone has now been set up around the farm, stopping birds and bird products being moved in or out of the area. Test results are expected on the two adults connected to the smallholding, and everyone entering the site is taking flu drug Tamiflu as a precaution.

Dr Glossop said: "Wales and Great Britain contingency plans have been activated and in line with these the farm has been placed under restrictions. We are not yet asking birdkeepers within the zone to bring their birds indoors."

She emphasised the need for proper biosecurity measures, adding: "I'd like to think people have learned from foot and mouth."

The source of the outbreak is being investigated and Dr Glossop urged poultry keepers to look out for signs of disease in their birds. She said: "As the jigsaw puzzle becomes clearer we may put restraints on holdings in other parts of Britain. We will be monitoring the situation on an ongoing basis."

She added that all measures in Wales's contingency plan for bird flu were being put in place, and that the Welsh Assembly Government is working with the Scottish Executive and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.