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A ban on poultry gatherings introduced more than two years ago to stop the spread of bird flu has been lifted in Wales.

The ban, which applied to poultry including pheasants, chickens, and turkeys, and peacocks, was introduced in November 2021.

Dr Richard Irvine, the chief veterinary officer for Wales, said: “Poultry keepers have worked hard to protect their birds from the risks of avian influenza [bird flu] by implementing strong biosecurity and other measures, and I want to thank them again for all they have done.

“I am pleased we are now able to allow gatherings of Galliforme birds to resume. This is a welcome development, enabled by the support and co-operation of the poultry sector.”

However, gatherings of Anseriforme birds, which includes ducks, geese, and swans, will remain banned – with the infection risk still deemed too high.

Dr Irvine continued: “Gatherings of all types of birds, except Anseriforme birds, will be permitted across Wales, provided keepers follow and meet all the requirements of the general licence.

“This does not mean the risk of avian influenza has disappeared.

“Scrupulous hygiene and biosecurity are essential to protect flocks from the threat of disease, and it is important bird keepers continue to complete the biosecurity self-assessment checklist.”

He added: “All of our mitigation measures, including restrictions on bird gatherings, are kept under constant review, to help ensure the national flock is protected.”