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New avian influenza guidance for vets
The guidance follows multiple recent findings of avian influenza in recent weeks.
Guidance follows multiple findings of the disease in recent weeks.

New guidance has been published for veterinary professionals who see wild birds and backyard poultry in practice.

The guidance - jointly developed by the BVA, the British Veterinary Poultry Association (BVPA), the BSAVA and the British Veterinary Zoological Society (BVZS) – outlines the clinical signs of avian influenza, how to examine suspected cases, next steps and how to report.

It follows multiple findings of avian influenza in recent weeks and the introduction of new housing measures that require all bird keepers to keep their flocks indoors.

James Russell, BVA senior vice president, said: “The Chief Veterinary Officers have taken swift action in response to several outbreaks in recent weeks, and brought in robust measures to contain the spread of the disease as much as possible.

“Wild birds migrating to the UK from mainland Europe in the winter months can carry the disease and infect other species of bird, so it’s vital that veterinary professionals who may be seeing poultry and wildlife casualties in practice know how to spot the signs and act quickly if presented with suspected cases.”

The latest government update on avian influenza on 3 December confirmed the presence of avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 at a sixth premises in Thirsk, North Yorkshire. The update also confirmed the disease at premises in Staffordshire and Herefordshire. 

Liz Mullineaux, BVZS senior vice president, said: “The current avian influenza situation in the UK is rapidly changing on an almost daily basis. This is clearly very difficult for veterinary colleagues in the poultry sector, but also presents some problems for those in general practice working with both backyard poultry and wild birds. 

“The joint guidance should provide some useful practical background material for those in practice, as well as links to all the up to date Defra information.” 

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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.