BIRD FLU restrictions requiring poultry and captive birds to be housed indoors in part of Shropshire have been lifted.

The measures were introduced in January following an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at Griffiths Family Farms, part of Oakland Farm Eggs, near Wem.

A 3km protection zone and a wider 10km surveillance zone were established around the site. The surveillance zone extended into the Wrexham local authority area.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed that disease control measures have now been completed. The area previously within the protection zone is now part of the surveillance zone only.

Around one million hens had to be culled at the site—one of the largest poultry farms in the UK—after the virus was detected in the flock.

Under protection zone rules, all poultry and captive birds must be kept indoors. Surveillance zone rules require premises to keep records of all poultry and egg movements in and out of the area.

Concerns mount over change to agriculture funding system

FARMERS in Wales say it is “nonsense” to base agricultural support on population size, warning the move will leave them worse off under the new funding system.

The UK government has decided to switch from the previous needs-based EU model to a population-based approach when allocating funding to the Welsh government. This change means the share of farm support Wales receives could drop significantly—from 9.2% to just 5.2%, according to the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW).

Guto Bebb, the union’s chief executive, said the decision was alarming: “If there’s any increase in agricultural funding in the future, Wales will only receive 5.2%—not because of need, but simply based on population. That is deeply concerning.”

The changes stem from the UK government’s October budget, which confirmed the adoption of the Barnett formula for distributing funds to devolved administrations. Under Barnett, Wales receives about 5% of additional UK government spending on areas it controls, like health and education.

Mr Bebb said it was vital for farming unions and rural communities to press the Welsh government to protect this key part of the economy.

The Welsh government previously expressed concern that switching to a population-based system would hurt Welsh agriculture. In February, First Minister Eluned Morgan told MPs on the Welsh Affairs Committee that farming should not be treated the same as other budget areas: “If you apply the Barnett formula, you get a 5% share, when in reality, agricultural need in Wales is far greater.”

However, both the UK and Welsh governments insist Wales is not losing out. An HM Treasury spokesperson said the Welsh government will receive over £4 billion more in 2025-26 than equivalent spending in England, and that agricultural funding had been “baselined” into the Welsh budget.

Meanwhile, the Welsh government said its current budget includes more than £366 million for agricultural support—higher than the amount provided in 2024-25, which was the final year the UK government directly ringfenced farm funding.

Still, concerns remain among farmers that future increases in UK-wide farming budgets will not trickle down fairly to Wales under the new rules.

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have issued new photos in the search for Isabelle and Daniel, who are both aged 16 and have been reported missing from their homes in the Cardigan area on Monday April 7, 2025.

Enquiries have led to a new confirmed sighting  of them both at Llandunno train station at 8.20pm on Monday, where they asked for directions to the Dolgellau area.

Isobel is described as 5ft 3 and usually has blonde hair, however she may have dyed her hair to a darker colour. She was last seen wearing a black parker style coat with fur edge, grey jogging bottoms, carrying a large black backpack.

Daniel is described to be 6ft 1 with short dark brown hair, with shaved sides. He was last seen wearing dark blue jeans, black t-shirt, and a black collared coat, carrying a large camping backpack, which is black, red and grey. 

Both are believed to have taken a change of clothes with them and may now be wearing something different.

It is believed that they have taken camping equipment with them and have connections to the Gloucestershire, Merseyside and North Wales areas. 

Their families are increasingly concerned for their safety and welfare and eagerly await their safe return home.

DI Rebecca Thomas said: “We are continuing our search to find Isobel and Daniel. “We know that they purchased camping equipment but they have left their homes without any communication and their family and friends are becoming increasingly concerned as they have had no contact with Isabelle and Daniel for almost a week. “It is also know that they don’t have their mobile phones on them.

“I would ask anyone who has seen them to get in touch.

“I would especially appeal to Isabelle and Daniel to get in touch with the police or family so we can ensure that they are safe.”

If you have seen Isabelle and Daniel, or have information about their whereabouts, please, let us know:

️ | https://bit.ly/DPPmissingperson

 | 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk

 | 101

 Quote reference 141 of April 7