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: 27th February 2025
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

Biosecurity ‘greatest weapon’ against avian flu, says DAERA minister
Northern Ireland is facing its third suspected case of notifiable avian influenza.
More suspected cases are appearing in Northern Ireland.

The minister for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has urged Northern Ireland to strictly follow required biosecurity rules as new cases are reported.

In a statement, Andrew Muir described biosecurity as the ‘greatest weapon’ against avian influenza, calling on bird keepers to familiarise themselves with the latest government guidance. Suspected avian influenza cases must be reported immediately.

The calls come as Northern Ireland faces a third suspected case of notifiable avian influenza.

DAERA is currently investigating commercial poultry premises near Cookstown, County Tyrone, where a suspected case was reported on Sunday, 23 February. Preliminary test results have indicated that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is present.

The findings have led DAERA to set up Temporary Control Zones (TCZs) in the area and all 32,000 birds on site have been humanely culled. Brian Dooher, chief veterinary officer, said the decision was based on observed clinical signs and the preliminary test results.

Mr Dooher said: “Disease control measures have been introduced to limit any potential spread of the disease.

“Bird keepers, whether commercial or backyard, must maintain high biosecurity standards and fully comply with all requirements that have been implemented to control this devastating disease.”

On 18 January, Northern Ireland announced an Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ) across the country after DAERA identified the first case of avian influenza since 2023 in a wild goose. This was followed by mandatory housing measures on 17 February, requiring kept birds to be separate from wild birds.

Mr Muir said: “It has been a difficult week for the poultry sector with three commercial premises to have HPAI confirmed or suspected. My Department is urgently responding and carrying out robust disease control actions, including the humane culling of affected poultry and cleansing and disinfection.

“My Department will continue to work closely with industry stakeholders along with our counterparts in Great Britain and Ireland to stop the spread of this disease.”

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.