Over 1 million birds are set to be culled after the discovery of bird flu at Griffiths Family Farm near Wem.
The Griffiths Family Farm, who run the farm near as part of the Oakland Farm Eggs group, are reeling from the “devastating news” the avian flu was discovered at their poultry facility near Wem.
The site is one of the largest in the UK and homes a large proportion of Griffiths Family Farm’s £2.5 million birds who produce 1 billion eggs annually.
DEFRA confirmed that all the poultry at the site will be “humanely culled” to avoid the spread of the disease to other areas.
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In a statement released by Elwyn Griffith the owner of firm, he said: “I am writing to confirm that with great regret, that following APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) testing it has been confirmed that the flock at the Oakland site are positive for the High Path Avian Influenza.
“This is obviously devastating news for the business and the Griffiths family personally.
“We will now work as quickly as possible to ensure the welfare of the hens on the rest of the site and also to ensure the wellbeing of farm staff who are caring for hens on the ground.
“We are now in the hands of government officials at APHA who will outline the next steps which we will be required to take.
“Your normal business contacts will be in touch with you shortly and will update you on the plans we are making to ensure business continuity.”
“We thank you for your understanding.”
DEFRA confirmed the case earlier this week and have imposed a 3km protection zone around the facility and 10km “surveillance zone”.
DEFRA are advising other bird keepers, that “if you’re in a bird flu disease control zone you must follow the rules for that zone and check if you need a licence to move poultry, poultry by-products, eggs, material or mammals.
“Practising good biosecurity at all times protects the health and welfare of your birds and for commercial keepers will help protect your business from HPAI and other diseases.
“Find out what you can do to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading and how to spot and report it in poultry or other captive birds.”
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