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H5N8 outbreak at Lincolnshire turkey farm
turkeys
Defra says the flock is estimated to contain around 19,500 birds. (stock photo)
CVO confirms avian flu in flock of 19,500 birds
 
The UK’s chief veterinary officer has confirmed H5N8 avian influenza at a turkey farm near Boston, Lincolnshire.

Defra says the flock is estimated to contain around 19,500 birds. A number have died and the remainder will be humanely culled.

A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone has been put in place around the premises and a full investigation is being carried out to determine the source of infection.

H5N8 cases have previously been detected in Wyre, Lancashire on 24 January, 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.

The advice from Public Health England remains that the risk to public health is very low and the Food Standards Agency says avian influenza does not pose a food safety risk to consumers.

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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.