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APHA announces poultry gathering ban
New cases have been reported in East Riding of Yorkshire, Merseyside and Cornwall.
The ban affects England, Scotland and Wales from Monday 10 February.

The Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) has introduced a ban on the gathering of poultry, as cases of avian influenza increase among kept birds.

From midday on Monday, 10 February, the gathering of poultry will be banned in England, Scotland and Wales. This includes ducks, geese, swans, pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkeys and guinea fowl.

The ban comes as APHA continues to receive reports of avian influenza across the countries.

In the past week, a number of new cases have been reported from East Riding of Yorkshire, Merseyside and Cornwall. A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone has been put in place around each premises.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was introduced across Great Britain on 25 January. Regional AIPZs with mandatory biosecurity measures are also in force in North Yorkshire, York, Shropshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, The City of Kingston upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

The ban on the gathering of poultry currently only affects England, Scotland and Wales.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has received preliminary positive results for a nature reserve outside Magherafelt in Northern Ireland. A 3km Captive Bird Temporary Control Zone has been put in place.

The nature reserve has since been closed to the public. The chief veterinary officer has placed a number of restrictions on the site including the humane culling of remaining captive birds.

Andrew Muir, DAERA minister, said: “The preliminary positive results of HPAI in captive birds is very disheartening.

“No captive bird site or poultry premises is immune from a potential incursion of this terrible disease, and it is of paramount importance that all bird keepers take appropriate action now to review and enhance their biosecurity measures to protect their birds from this highly infectious disease.”

A full selection of disease control zones can be viewed on the avian influenza interactive map. Biosecurity guidance can be found here.

Image © Shutterstock

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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.