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Bird flu outbreak on Yorkshire duck farm
ducks
Investigations are underway to see if the outbreak is linked with recent cases in Germany and the Netherlands.

First UK case of the H5 strain confirmed since 2008

Defra has confirmed a bird flu outbreak on a duck breeding farm in Yorkshire. Initial testing has confirmed the H5 strain of bird flu which has not been reported in the UK since 2008.

Health officials have ruled out the possibility of the H5N1 strain that is infectious for humans. The outbreak was confirmed on Sunday afternoon and is said to present a very low risk to human health.

All 6,000 birds on the farm are being culled and a 10km restriction zone has been imposed to prevent further spread of the infection.

Restriction zones ban the movement of poultry, products and waste from the affected area. Poultry must be isolated within the zone, fairs, shows and exhibitions are prohibited and game birds must not be released.

Investigations are underway to see if the outbreak is linked with recent cases in Germany and the Netherlands. Further test results are expected this week.

Certain strains of bird flu can pass to humans, though cases are rare and infection usually requires close contact with infected birds.

As new strains of the avian influenza virus emerge frequently, there is a risk one of these strains may be able to spread from human to human. However, there is currently no evidence to suggest a recent strain of bird flu can transmit between people.

According to advice from the Food Standards Agency, it is safe to eat poultry and poultry products such as eggs, assuming they are properly cooked.

Image ©Katie Chodil/Wikipedia CC-BY-2.0

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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.