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H5N8 avian influenza detected in France
An outbreak of H5N8 bird flu has been detected on a duck farm in France.
Outbreak confirmed in the Tarn region of Almayrac

An outbreak of H5N8 bird flu has been detected on a duck farm in France, the French Ministry of Agriculture reports.

The outbreak was confirmed on 1 December 2016 by the ANSES national reference laboratory in the Tarn region of Almayrac.

The farm reported a high mortality of ducks, which resulted in sampling at the beginning of the week. Of the 5,000 ducks on the farm, 2,000 are believed to have died.

The Department of Population Protection of the Tarn immediately put in place a protection zone of 3km and a surveillance zone of 10km around the farm. The ducks of the infected holding will be slaughtered.

The preventative slaughter of animals will also be carried out on farms linked epidemiologically to the detected outbreak. Enhanced surveillance will be established around these farms.

In a statement, the Ministry of Agriculture called for vigilance - particularly by vets, breeders, hunters and owners of poultry farms.

“This requires, in particular, the unfailing application of biosecurity measures and to report any mortality of birds,” they write.

The same virus was detected for the first time in France on November 27 on wild ducks in the Pas-de-Calais. Many cases have also been reported in Europe in recent weeks on migratory birds but also in poultry breeding.

The ministry adds that the role of migratory birds appears predominant in the spread of this virus, which is particularly contagious in birds but is harmless to humans.

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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.