News

All-Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone declared as bird flu risk rises

Published

11 months ago

January 29, 2025

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has announced the introduction of an All-Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) following a rise in cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) across Great Britain.

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, said that while no cases have been confirmed in poultry or kept birds in Wales this outbreak season, the growing number of infections elsewhere has heightened the risk of transmission from wild birds.

The decision to implement the AIPZ, which comes into force at 12:01am on Thursday (Jan 30), follows advice from the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales. The move aligns with similar measures introduced in England and Scotland on January 25.

The restrictions will remain in place until the risk level decreases. Officials will continue to review the situation.

Mandatory biosecurity measures
Under the AIPZ, all poultry and captive bird keepers, regardless of flock size, must take strict biosecurity precautions, including:

Making enclosures unattractive to wild birds by netting ponds and removing food sources.
Feeding and watering birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild bird contact.
Minimising human movement in and out of bird enclosures.
Cleaning and disinfecting footwear before entering enclosures.
Reducing contamination by cleansing concrete areas and fencing off wet or boggy spaces.
Keeping domestic ducks and geese separate from other poultry.
Ensuring wild game birds caught during the open season remain in place for at least 21 days, as per declaration conditions.
Completing a mandatory biosecurity self-assessment checklist within seven days.
Farms with more than 500 birds must restrict access to non-essential personnel, ensure staff change clothing and footwear before entering enclosures, and disinfect vehicles.

Protecting Wales’ poultry industry
Mr Irranca-Davies said: “These enhanced biosecurity measures are proportionate to the current risk level of avian influenza in Wales. We all have a responsibility to protect our national flock and prevent the spread of disease.”

Poultry keepers must remain vigilant for signs of avian influenza, a notifiable disease, and report any suspected cases immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on 0300 303 8268.

Further guidance and updates are available on the Welsh Government website.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

8 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

9 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

9 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.