Poultry producers in Wales say their businesses are at risk following a ban on bird sales and shows to lessen the potential spread of avian flu.
Chris and Gene Taylor, who run one of the biggest auctions for breeders in Wales, said the ban cut trading by 80%.
“Birds are our livelihood,” said Mrs Taylor, who runs Pen-rhiw-garn Poultry in Llangynidr, near Crickhowell.
The assembly government, which brought in the emergency legislation, said a ban was “the only responsible option”.

Friday’s decision was in line with bans in England and Scotland on the sale and display of birds at markets, shows, and fairs as a precaution against the potential spread of bird flu - which has not yet reached the UK.

The company organises the regular Ross Bird Sales, which take place throughout the year in Ross-on-Wye, as well as rare breed sales, and it also sells to people who call at their farm.

News that the next Ross sale - which had been planned for 11 November - would be cancelled came after the firm had already contacted the 3,000 people on their mailing list, bought advertising space, and prepared catalogues listing lots for sale.

The firm said it had no way of recouping any of the money it spent in preparation for the sale.

“We get people coming from all over the country to buy at our auctions,” said Mrs Taylor, who has run the business with her husband for 13 years.

Posted: 10|30|05 at 9:08 am. Filed under: UK News.