THE case of Avian Influenza announced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on Monday has been confirmed to be near Chirk.

The case has led to the declaration of a temporary control zone to be set for a 3km radius around the confirmed case – called zone A – while a second control zone has been established with a 10km radius.

On Monday, November 1m the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop, confirmed the presence of avian influenza H5N1 in the county borough but did not initially reveal the location.

However, on Monday evening, the control zone around the town was confirmed by Defra and will apply until further notice, meaning that bird owners must keep records of any humans or birds entering or leaving the unconfirmed premises, the date of the visit and whether they had contact with poultry or birds.

All eggs and poultry movements must also be recorded.

All keepers are strongly advised to be vigilant for signs of the disease such as increased mortality or respiratory distress. If keepers have any concerns about the health of their birds, they are encouraged to seek prompt advice from their veterinary surgeon.

The Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop, said: "Avian Influenza has been found in poultry and wild birds in the Wrexham area.

"This is further evidence of the need for all keepers of poultry and captive birds to ensure they have the very highest levels of biosecurity in place."

Public Health Wales has said the risk to the health of the public from Avian Influenza is very low and the Food Standards Agency has made clear it does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.

Miss Glossop added: "Temporary control zones have been imposed to help prevent further spread of the disease.