Bird flu confirmed in Pontyberem area

In response, the Welsh Government has declared a 3km Protection Zone and a wider 10km Surveillance Zone around the site. The Government says these restrictions are designed to stop the disease spreading and apply to anyone keeping poultry or other birds.

The council said its Animal Health Officers will visit homes, farms and businesses within the zones to check for birds and ensure biosecurity rules are being followed.

Officials stressed that the strain identified is dangerous for birds but presents a very low risk to people. The council added that residents who do not keep birds do not need to take any action.

Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, said:

“The identification of avian influenza in the Pontyberem area is very sad news for the poultry keeper involved, however I want to reassure residents that this virus presents a very low risk to human health. I urge the keepers of poultry or other birds in the area to follow the enhanced biosecurity measures.”

He also noted that all bird keepers across Wales remain subject to national prevention rules introduced earlier this month.

Maps showing the zones and full guidance are available on the Welsh Government website.

Map showing the 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone around Pontyberem following confirmation of avian influenza in poultry.

The council has reminded residents that dead wild birds such as swans, geese, ducks, gulls or birds of prey should be reported to the Defra Helpline on 03459 33 55 77 (option 7).

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Landslide washes away section of Carmarthenshire cycle path

Path collapse near Tumble

The Walk Wheel Cycle Trust Cymru (formerly Sustrans) confirmed that a landslide has taken out part of the route linking Tumble and Pontyberem. The charity’s estates team has been on site to close the affected section and warn users not to approach the area.

A spokesperson said:

“Please do not approach the site as it is extremely dangerous and unstable. Our team are working to close the path and ensure route users are aware on the ground. We are working with local partners to secure the site and it will remain closed. A diversion will be put in place as soon as possible.”

Council urges public to stay away

Carmarthenshire County Council confirmed the landslide and said the area has been fenced off. A spokesperson added:

“There has been a significant landslide which has taken out a section of the Sustrans Cycle Route linking Tumble and Pontyberem. We urge the public to keep away from the area for safety reasons. The path is owned and maintained by Sustrans, now known as the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.”

Climate change warning

Local Member of the Senedd Lee Waters described the collapse as a stark reminder of the impact of extreme weather. Sharing an image of the damaged path, he said:

“The impact of flooding is being felt right across the local area today. This picture of the cycle path washed away near Tumble is a pretty stark illustration of how climate change is impacting us here and now – the experts are agreed that heavy rainfall and more intense storms are a direct consequence of man‑made climate change.”

He also thanked the emergency services, Carmarthenshire Council and local volunteers for their efforts in supporting communities affected by flooding over the past 24 hours.

Wider flooding impact

The landslide comes as Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident following more than 450 flooding‑related calls in 12 hours, with rescues carried out in Whitland, Ferryside, Kidwelly, Lampeter and St Clears. Swansea has also been hit, with Cwmbwrla roundabout once again submerged.

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