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Compulsory poultry housing restrictions lifted
The risk of avian influenza with good bisecurity has been reduced to 'low'.
Birds keepers must maintain strict biosecurity measures on their premises.

Compulsory housing measures for poultry and captive birds were lifted on Thursday (31 March), but biosecurity measures will remain in place ‘until further notice’, the UK’s chief veterinary officers have confirmed.

First introduced in December to prevent the spread of avian influenza, the housing measures followed several confirmed cases of the disease in England. The most recent was a case of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian flu in captive birds near Skelmersdale, West Lancashire, on 31 March 2021.

Defra stressed that while the risk of avian flu in poultry with good biosecurity has reduced to ‘low’, it remains at ‘medium’ where there is poor biosecurity. As such, bird keepers are being urged to maintain enhanced biosecurity requirements, introduced as part of the Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ) on 11 November. 

Extra precautions, such as cleaning and disinfecting equipment and limiting access to non-essential people on site, are also being encouraged. 

In a joint statement, Great Britain’s three Chief Veterinary Officers said: “This will be welcome news for poultry keepers across the country who have put great effort into keeping their flocks safe this winter.

“We have taken swift action to contain and eliminate this disease and all bird keepers - whether they have just a few birds or thousands - must continue to do their bit to maintain strict biosecurity measures on their premises so that we do not lose the progress that we have made over the past few months as Low risk does not mean No Risk.”

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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.