Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 30th December 2016
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Defra provides update on H5N8
chicken
Defra warns that in cold weather the virus will continue to be infectious in water and on some surfaces.
Outbreaks being reported in S Korea, Japan and Taiwan
 
Avian influenza H5N8 is continuing to cause outbreaks in Europe and further afield, Defra confirmed in its latest outbreak assessment.

Outbreaks are still being seen in Bulgaria, France, Netherlands, Germany, Poland and Hungary. Meanwhile Israel is reporting more cases in wild birds and South Korea, Japan and Taiwan have reported outbreaks.

Given the virus's geographic spread across Europe, Asia and west Africa, Defra says 'we should expect this virus to remain an issue and pose a continuing risk to our poultry sector for a considerable time'.

In the UK this month, H5N8 has been detected on a Lincolnshire turkey farm, in wild birds in west Wales, Rutland and Somerset, and in a peregrine falcon in Dumfries. Defra says there is no indication that the virus has spread from the farm in Lincolnshire.

The risk level for the UK is 'high' for an incursion of an infected wild bird, and 'low to medium' for poultry on individual premises, depending on the level of biosecurity. A ban on gatherings of certain poultry and captive bird species remains in place, as does a prevention zone across Great Britain, requiring poultry to be housed or separated from wild birds.

Defra warns that in cold weather the virus will continue to be infectious in water and on some surfaces, so regular disinfection is important. Additionally, housing alone will not be sufficient to reduce the risk of notifiable avian disease being introduced to farms. Personal biosecurity is key, as environmental contamination presents a significant hazard, particularly if wild waterfowl or gulls have regular access to the site or contaminate the area around houses.

The European Food Safety Authority has produced a scientific opinion on measures that should be taken around wild bird findings.

Defra is asking members of the public to use its helpline, 03459 33 55 77 to report findings of dead wild birds.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.