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Avian flu detected in Lancashire
pheasants
Defra says a full investigation is underway to determine the source of the infection. (stock photo)
Affected flock estimated to contain 10,000 birds

The UK’s chief veterinary officer has confirmed a new outbreak of H5N8 avian influenza in a flock of farmed breeding pheasants in Wyre, Lancashire.

Defra says a full investigation is underway to determine the source of the infection.

The flock is estimated to contain around 10,000 birds, a number of which have died. The remainder are being humanely culled. A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been put in place to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

Defra has previously confirmed outbreaks of H5N8 in East Lindsey, Lancashire, on 16 January; Settle, North Yorkshire on 6 January; Carmarthenshire, Wales, on 4 January and Lincolnshire on 16 December. A number of cases have also been detected in wild birds.

Measures are in place across the UK to prevent the spread of avian influenza, including a requirement for poultry and captive birds to be housed indoors, and a ban on bird gatherings.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.