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: 31st January 2017
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

H5N8: 63,000 birds to be culled
pheasant
A proactive cull of 63,000 birds, including pheasants, partridges and ducks, is underway. (stock photo)
Avian flu confirmed at a further Lancashire premises
 
The UK’s chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens has revealed that 63,000 birds will be culled to contain the possible spread of avian influenza H5N8.

After ongoing investigations Defra confirmed the presence of H5N8 at a further site in Lancashire, which had links to a farm in Wyre where avian influenza was recently reported.

An outbreak of the disease was confirmed in a flock of farmed pheasants in Wyre, Lancashire, on 24 January. A routine investigation of premises linked to the farm subsequently found a second outbreak in a nearby flock of pheasants (27 January). There was a business link between the two premises.

In a statement yesterday (30 January) Defra said it it had not been possible to rule out the presence of H5N8 in farmed birds at a further linked premises in the area and, therefore, there would be a proactive cull of 63,000 birds, including pheasants, partridges and ducks.

Ongoing investigations and tests have since confirmed the presence of H5N8 avian influenza at the linked premises.

Investigations continue and the site will be cleansed and disinfected to further reduce the risk of disease spreading to other birds. The restrictions placed at the sites will remain in force until investigations, cleansing and disinfection are complete.

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.