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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 12th December 2022
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Avian flu strikes Suffolk premises for second time
The UK is currently facing its biggest ever outbreak of avian flu.

More than 200 cases have been confirmed in the UK since October 2021.

A second case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed at a poultry premises near Redgrave, Mid Suffolk.

Confirming the outbreak on Sunday (11 December), the Animal and Plant Health Agency said a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone had been placed around the affected premises, and that all poultry will be humanely culled.

According to BBC News, the affected premises is poultry producer Gressingham Foods, whose Debach site near Woodbridge, Suffolk, was also affected by the disease earlier this year. The outbreak saw the cull of some 35,000 ducks.

The UK is currently facing its biggest ever outbreak of avian flu, with more than 200 cases confirmed since late October 2021. A national housing order was introduced across England on Monday, 7 November 2022, making it a legal requirement for keepers of all poultry and captive birds to house their flocks,

The UK's chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss called on farmers to maintain strict biosecurity standards in an effort to protect their birds.

She said: “We are now facing this year, the largest ever outbreak of bird flu and are seeing rapid escalation in the number of cases on commercial farms and in backyard birds across England. The risk of kept birds being exposed to disease has reached a point where it is now necessary for all birds to be housed until further notice.

“Scrupulous biosecurity and separating flocks in all ways, from wild birds remain the best form of defence. Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, from Monday, 7 November onwards you must keep your indoors. This decision has not been taken lightly, but is the best way to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.”

The housing order was introduced after the disease was detected at more than 70 premises since the beginning of October 2022, and multiple reports in wild birds. It builds on the strengthened biosecurity protocols introduced as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ).

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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.