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Human case of avian influenza reported
silkie
The 58-year old male patient is a Macau-based goods supplier who had been in contact with an infected silky fowl.

Infected silky fowl detected at Macau poultry market
 
The first human case of avian influenza A has been reported by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health. The 58-year old male patient is a Macau-based goods supplier who had been in contact with an infected silky fowl, at a wholesale poultry market. Both the patient and his wife are now in hospital, receiving treatment in a quarantined area.
 
The public are being advised to take rigorous measures to maintain hygiene. Those who are likely to handle poultry have been advised not to touch any droppings and to wash eggs with disinfectant. When cooking any poultry related products, the public have been advised to cook products immediately and thoroughly. All members of the public have been instructed to wash hands regularly and to wear protective breathing masks, if they develop any untoward symptoms.
 
A spokesman for the CHP said: "Recently, Guangdong reported the first human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in this winter. Human H7N9 cases have also been detected in Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Fujian while human H5N6 cases in Hunan and Guangxi since November. Locally, four faecal dropping samples of birds collected from Mai Po Nature Reserve in late November were detected with H5N6 virus. Our risk assessment shows that the activity of avian influenza viruses is expected to increase in winter based on their seasonal pattern.


"The public should avoid touching birds, poultry or their droppings and visiting poultry markets or farms during travel, particularly in the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays. If feeling unwell such as fever or cough, wear a mask and seek medical advice at once. Travellers returning from affected areas should consult doctors promptly if symptoms develop and let them know your travel history.



"We will remain vigilant and work closely with the World Health Organization and relevant health authorities to monitor the latest developments."
 
For more information, visit the CHP’s avian influenza page. http://www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/24244.html

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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.