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First IB QX vaccine announced for UK poultry industry
Chicken in a field
Full approval for the Poulvac vaccine will make it easier and more effective to tackle specific QX infections without having to apply for an important certificate
First specific vaccine against the QX strain is now available in the UK and Ireland

The availability in the UK and Ireland of the first specific vaccine against the QX strain of the infectious bronchitis virus has been announced - Poulvac IB QX.

Previously the vaccine, has only been available with a special import certificate for the Veterinary Medicines Directorate for use on flocks where the QX virus has been isolated.

The variant IB strain was first seen in the UK in South-East England in 2007 and has been an increasing problem in European countries over the last 10 years. Since the first sighting, QX has been isolated from a number of commercial layer and broiler flocks, leading to inferior performance and increased mortality.

The vaccine is based in a live attenuated virus and is administered as a coarse spray to broilers from day-old and to layer pullets or broiler breeds from seven days of age. Protection has been demonstrated by challenge study to last 63 days after vaccination.

Often used on the farm, the vaccine can be administered to chicks at the hatchery if adequate controls are in place to avoid spread to other chicks that will be moved to non-QX exposed flocks.

The manufacturers say that full approval for the Poulvac vaccine will make it easier and more effective to tackle specific QX infections without having to apply for an important certificate. 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.