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Poultry allowed outside as avian flu restrictions lift
Measures remain in place to prevent wild birds from infecting kept birds.
Bird keepers urged to maintain high biosecurity standards.

Mandatory housing for all poultry and kept birds has ended today (Tuesday, 18 April) in England and Wales, but bird keepers are being urged to maintain rigorous biosecurity standards to prevent avian influenza from spreading.

Keepers will still be legally required to follow hygiene and disease prevention rules. The guidance includes:
  • cleaning and disinfecting footwear by using foot dips before entering enclosures
  • netting standing water and ponds
  • maintaining bird houses and sheds to prevent wild birds and contaminated water from entering
  • minimising the movement of people in and out of bird enclosures.
The easing of restrictions follows a reduction in avian flu risk levels. Poultry and kept birds will be allowed outside again, although housing will still be mandatory in Protection Zones around locations where a case has been confirmed.

Mandatory housing remains in place in Northern Ireland. The measure was never introduced in Scotland.

There have been 150 cases in England and six cases in Wales since October 2022, with new cases confirmed this month in Powys and the East Riding of Yorkshire.

Chief veterinary officer for Wales, Richard Irvine said: “Rigorous and scrupulous hygiene and biosecurity measures offer the best protection for kept birds against avian influenza. Whether keepers have a few birds or a thousand, it is vital the very highest standards of biosecurity are maintained.

“Vigilance is also key, and it’s important any signs or suspicion of avian influenza is reported immediately.”

Findings of dead wild birds should be reported to Defra on 03459 33 55 77 and keepers should report suspicion of disease in their birds to APHA on 0300 303 8268.

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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.