An outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed at a premises in north Wales.
Disease control zones of 3km and 10km have been put in place at a property in Wrexham to limit the risk of spread, the Welsh government has said.
Christianne Glossop, the chief veterinary officer for the country, confirmed the presence of the H5N1 strain in poultry and wild birds.
It is thought that the infections in domestic birds originated from dead wild birds discovered in the area, which tested positive for the virus.
This is the first confirmation of the disease in Wales since it was found among pheasants at a property on Anglesey in January.
In England, a case of avian flu was confirmed at a wild bird rescue centre in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, last month.
This resulted in a control zone being put in place around the infected area and all birds on the site were humanely culled.
The risk to public health from the virus is considered to be very low and the most recent cases in Wales do not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers, the government said.
People, however, are being urged to avoid picking up or touching any sick or dead birds, while bird keepers are strongly advised to be vigilant for signs of the disease.
Ms Glossop said: ‘This is further evidence of the need for all keepers of poultry and captive birds to ensure they have the very highest levels of biosecurity in place.
‘Public Health Wales has said the risk to the health of the public from avian influenza is very low and the Food Standards Agency has made clear it does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.’
How bird flu spreads to humans
Bird flu is spread by close contact with an infected bird (dead or alive), according to the NHS.
This includes: touching infected birds. touching droppings or bedding, and killing or preparing infected poultry for cooking.
Markets where live birds are sold can also be a source of bird flu.
Speaking to BBC Radio Wales Breakfast with Claire Summers, Ms Glossop said it is believed that this infection arose from wild birds and there is evidence that H5 N1 flu virus is present in wild birds in Wales and other parts of the UK.
She added: ‘I think it’s really disappointing that we’re back in bird flu season, so early this year.
‘We’ve dealt with the outbreak and we are monitoring very carefully the situation with wild birds.’
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