POULTRY and bird keepers across Wales will be legally required to house their birds from Thursday (Nov 13) as the Welsh Government introduces strict new measures to contain the growing threat of avian influenza.

The decision follows a sharp rise in cases among both wild and kept birds across Great Britain, prompting warnings about the impact on animal welfare, food production and public health.

Legal requirement from Thursday

From Thursday, all keepers of fifty or more birds of any species must keep them housed.
The same rule will also apply to smaller flocks if eggs or poultry products are sold or given away, because of the increased risk of disease spread through trading or sharing.

The move forms part of the existing Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), which was first introduced in January. Additional biosecurity requirements are also being brought in for the gamebird sector, following outbreaks last season.

Government: “Difficult but necessary”

Deputy First Minister and Rural Affairs Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies said the decision was not taken lightly but was vital to protect flocks and livelihoods.

He said: “The risk of disease has recently increased further, and Wales is now facing a very high level of avian influenza risk. The decision has not been taken lightly, but it is necessary to protect both our bird populations and the livelihoods of poultry keepers across Wales.”

“I urge all bird keepers to comply with these requirements and maintain the highest standards of biosecurity. By acting now, we can help prevent the spread of this disease and protect our flocks.”

CVO: “Housing is not a substitute for biosecurity”

Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales Dr Richard Irvine warned that while housing birds is a key control measure, strict hygiene and biosecurity remain essential.

“We are seeing a sharp increase in the number of avian influenza cases in kept and wild birds. In the face of very high risk levels, mandatory bird housing measures will now apply across the whole of Wales,” he said.

“Housing measures can help protect birds, but they are not a substitute for stringent hygiene and biosecurity. I urge all keepers to act now, familiarise themselves with the biosecurity checklist online, and report any suspected cases immediately.”

Measures to remain under review

The housing order and AIPZ will remain in place until further notice and will be reviewed regularly by the Welsh Government, working alongside the Animal and Plant Health Agency and the other UK administrations.

REFORM UK leader Nigel Farage has accused BBC Wales of being “infected with left-wing bias” — comments that add fresh fuel to the storm engulfing the broadcaster following the resignations of Director General Tim Davie and News chief Deborah Turness.

Farage’s criticism centres on Rhuanedd Richards, the BBC’s interim Nations Director, who previously served as chief executive of Plaid Cymru and as a special adviser during the Labour–Plaid “One Wales” coalition government.

According to the BBC’s website, Richards earns between £190,000 and £194,999 per year in her current role overseeing the corporation’s national output across Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the English regions.

Farage told supporters: “Rhuanedd Richards was the chief executive of Plaid. She worked during the Labour–Plaid coalition for the Government of Wales. She’s now a director of BBC Wales, on just over £190,000 a year. There is living proof that, right the way through to the top, the BBC is infected with left-wing bias.”

The BBC declined to comment directly on his remarks but has repeatedly denied institutional bias. Outgoing news chief Deborah Turness said earlier this week: “Our journalists aren’t corrupt — they’re hardworking people who strive for impartiality.”

Political theatre or deeper problem?

Farage’s comments come less than 24 hours after The Pembrokeshire Herald’s opinion piece on BBC bias went viral, reaching more than 89,000 views and getting 2,600 likes. That article argued that the real issue isn’t one flawed Trump edit — it’s the political culture that uses “bias” as a weapon to discredit journalism.

Farage’s intervention fits that pattern. His attack on Richards — a respected Welsh broadcaster with a long BBC career both before and after her time in politics — blurs the line between legitimate scrutiny and political point-scoring.

Supporters of Richards note that her appointment followed standard BBC governance procedures and that previous political experience does not automatically equate to editorial bias. She began her career as a BBC Wales journalist and political correspondent before moving into party work and later returning to broadcasting.

The irony: BBC caught its own error

Amid the noise, one fact has been largely overlooked — the controversial Trump edit was identified by the BBC’s own internal checks. The broadcaster’s review system flagged the mistake, demonstrating that its mechanisms for accountability do, in fact, work.

Where next for the BBC?

With senior leadership in flux, the corporation faces intense scrutiny from all sides — government, Reform UK, and commercial rivals keen to weaken its public-service model.

Yet the bigger question remains: without a strong, independent BBC — and without a thriving local press to nurture the next generation of reporters — who will defend factual, balanced journalism in Britain?

In the end, the loudest cries of “bias” may come from those who fear impartial reporting the most.

FOUR children were taken to hospital after smoke began filling a school bus outside Ysgol Bro Gwaun in Fishguard on Tuesday afternoon (Nov 4).

The incident occurred on the 503 school route operated by Richards Bros, when a fault in the vehicle’s heating and air conditioning system caused a foul-smelling smoke to pour from the vents.

Witnesses said the bus was stationary outside the school when pupils first noticed the problem. Some attempted to leave via the emergency exit but were reportedly told to remain on board. The driver then moved the bus a short distance to the school’s astro-turf area, where the pupils were briefly allowed off.

Parents later reported that some children developed headaches, sore throats and nausea after inhaling the fumes. Four pupils were later taken to hospital as a precaution after contacting NHS 111 for advice. All were discharged the same evening.

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesperson confirmed that the issue was caused by a melted electrical component within the heating system, which had produced the smoke.

They said the bus was immediately stopped, the fault isolated, and the vehicle removed from service for inspection. A full safety check has since been completed, and the problem has been rectified.

The council added that pupil safety “remains the highest priority” and that it continues to work closely with the transport provider to ensure all school buses meet required safety standards.

The Herald understands that the driver acted promptly once alerted to the problem and that the bus was around 15 minutes late leaving the school site as a result of the incident.