SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is calling on farmers to find out more about how to stop the spread of bird flu.
Mr Rowlands is urging poultry keepers in North Wales to make sure they attend the National Farmers Union Cymru’s annual poultry conference next month.
He said: “I am always happy to promote events which offer help and advice to farmers especially at a time when the whole of Wales has been declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ).
“Restrictions are in place following an outbreak across the border from North Wales, in Shopshire and Merseyside. These outbreaks are very concerning for poultry farmers, especially if this dreadful disease was to spread into North Wales.
“I would urge bird keepers in North Wales to be vigilant, take every precaution to prevent the spread of this disease and to attend the conference in March.”
Poultry keepers in Wales are encouraged to attend the annual NFU Cymru Poultry Conference to hear about efforts to tackle the spread of Avian Influenza and other issues affecting the sector.
The event will feature a line-up of speakers providing expert insight and opinion to support poultry farmers in the running of their poultry meat or egg businesses. Conference goers will also hear from Dr Richard Irvine, Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales who will give an update on the current Avian Influenza disease picture.
NFU Cymru Poultry Chairman Richard Williams, said: “The threat of AI and the risk posed by this disease to our businesses is, unfortunately, not going away any time soon. But that is not the only issue our poultry producers are wrangling with at present.
“Rising energy costs and hikes in the prices of inputs, along with planning issues are also taking a significant toll on our farmers, whether they be producing poultry meat or eggs.
“Given the varied challenges facing the sector, the NFU Cymru Poultry Conference comes at an opportune time to discuss these issues with our line-up of well-informed speakers who will be able to bring detail and informed analysis to our conversations.
“I urge poultry farmers to join us at the NFU Cymru Poultry Conference and take the opportunity to make the most of the expertise available.”
Anyone attending this year’s NFU Cymru Poultry Conference is asked to follow strict biosecurity guidance. Most notably, attendees are urged to ensure that vehicles are clean prior to arriving at the venue and that clothing and footwear worn on the day has not been in the vicinity of a poultry shed.
Anyone wishing to attend the NFU Cymru Poultry Conference being held at the International Pavillion, Royal Welsh Showground, on Tuesday March 4 is asked to call the NFU Cymru office on 01982 554200, register on the NFU Cymru website or email [email protected].
