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Avian flu: wild birds a "possible source"
turkeys
BVA has advised poultry keepers to work with their local vet.
Defra issues new biosecurity guidance

After recent outbreaks of avian flu in East Yorkshire and Germany, Defra has released updated guidance on biosecurity. Investigations to determine the origin are ongoing, but Defra has said wild birds are a "possible source".

A cull of 6,000 birds has been completed on the Yorkshire duck breeding farm, where an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N8 strain was confirmed on November 16. It was the first UK case of the H5 strain since 2008.

Poultry keepers are being advised to minimise contact with wild birds while the source of the outbreak is being investigated.

Guidance includes:
  • Ensuring housing is bird-proof to reduce the likelihood of contact with wild birds
  • Minimising contamination of food and water supplies by wild birds
  • Avoiding placement of housing close to water
  • Preventing the accumulation of standing water
  • Removing any spilled feed that could attract wild birds
  • Isolating new birds before they are placed with existing farm birds
  • Providing clean food and drinking water, preferably indoors, to avoid contamination

BVA president John Blackwell has welcomed the update. "The advice emphasises the importance of maintaining the highest biosecurity standards during an outbreak of avian flu, including protecting domestic poultry flocks from the risk of contact with wild birds.

"Poultry should be housed where possible and kept away from standing water, with food and water supplies protected. BVA would encourage poultry keepers to work with their local vets and take their advice on appropriate biosecurity measures if in any doubt".

Avian flu spreads between birds through direct contact or contaminated body fluids or faeces. Highly pathogenic avian flu is often fatal in birds. Clinical signs include a swollen head, loss of appetite, blue discolouration of neck and throat, diarrhoea, fewer eggs laid and respiratory distress including gaping beak, coughing, sneezing, gurgling or rattling. Some species, including ducks and geese, may show minimal clinical signs.

For further information, visit Defra's website: https://www.gov.uk/avian-influenza-bird-flu#biosecurity-guidance

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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.