Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 18th April 2024
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Avian flu impact puts poultry rare breeds under threat
“The UK’s brilliant array of rare and native poultry is under serious threat” – Tom Davis.
Rare breeds charity adds every native poultry breed to ‘priority’ category.

The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) has moved all of the UK’s native poultry breeds into the ‘priority’ category of its annual watchlist.

The move has been made due to the significant impact on breeding programmes in recent years from the combination of avian influenza restrictions and the rising cost of animal husbandry.

The latest watchlist has also highlighted the plight of native pig breeds. Seven of the 11 native pig breeds remain in the ‘priority’ category and the majority of rare pig breeds are showing a sustained decline in sow numbers.

Tom Davis, an RBST trustee and farm manager said: “The UK’s brilliant array of rare and native poultry is under serious threat. Under the continued threat of avian influenza, there is a clear decline in active breeding programmes and when breed populations are so low, losing flocks can be devastating.”

Because of the challenges facing rare pig and poultry breeds, RBST has called on the government to do more to encourage people to keep them.

Christopher Price, RBST chief executive, said: “The government’s new Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme encourages farmers and smallholders to choose native breeds for grazing, but it does nothing to help safeguard the future of our native pig and poultry breeds.

“Today’s watchlist shows the outlook for our rare pig and poultry breeds is a great concern, we want to see the ELM’s SP8 supplement broadened to include native pigs and poultry as well as grazing animals.”

However, the report has revealed some conservation success stories. Sheep breeds such as the Norfolk horn and the greyface Dartmoor are growing in numbers, with the latter moving out of the ‘at risk’ category.

The saddleback pig has also had a good year, despite the general decline in pig numbers. The number of pedigree registered progeny increased by 16 per cent and the number of breeders grew by 12 per cent.

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.