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Poultry housing order declared in East Anglia
Poultry keepers are encouraged to use the upcoming days to prepare for the new housing measures.
The move follows an increase of avian influenza cases in the region.

New housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds in Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex will come into force on Wednesday (12 October), making it a legal requirement for all bird keepers in these hotspots to keep their flocks indoor.

The move follows a decision by the UK's chief veterinary officer Dr Christine Middlemiss, following an increase in avian influenza cases in the region. Since the start of September, the disease has been identified at 16 premises in the affected areas, as well as in wild birds.

Dr Middlemiss urges all bird keepers in the affected regions to use the upcoming days to prepare for the housing measures, including taking steps to safeguard animal welfare, consult their vet and expand housing where necessary.

She said: “We are seeing a growing number of bird flu cases on commercial farms and in backyard birds across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, and expect the risk to continue rise over the coming months as migratory birds return to the UK.

“We are now taking further action to help protect flocks from this highly infectious and devastating disease. Keepers in these hotspots must continue to follow strict biosecurity standards to protect their flock, and should use the next few days to prepare and move their birds indoors.”

The new housing measures build on the strengthened biosecurity measures introduced as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) last month, covering Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex

It comes as the UK continues to face its largest ever outbreak of avian influenza. Since last October, more than 160 cases of the virus have been identified. 

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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.