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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 27th November 2015
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H5N1 outbreak confirmed in France
hens
Sequencing of the strain is now underway (stock photo).
Government activates emergency response plan
 
A case of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza has been confirmed in France for the first time since 2007.

The outbreak involved a backyard flock of 32 hens in Dordogne, south-west France, according to a statement from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

Symptoms first appeared on 14 November and the strain of the disease was confirmed this week by the National Agency Risk Assessment (Anses).

Sequencing of the strain is now underway but a statement from the French ministry of agriculture says it appears to be a strain already detected in Europe.

The country has activated its health emergency response plan, in line with European and international rules.

This includes a protection zone of 3km and a surveillance zone of 10km around the premises. Monitoring of farming and wildlife will also be strengthened.

All of the 22 infected birds died and the remaining 10 susceptible birds were destroyed.

Agriculture minister Stephane Le Foll also asked the country's director general to convene an emergency national guidance committee of animal health policy this week to mobilise stakeholders and ensure appropriate measures for protection and management are put in place.

Members of the public have been reminded that avian influenza is not transmitted to humans via meat, eggs and other food products.


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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.