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Further avian influenza housing measures introduced
Bird keepers across the UK must continue to follow enhanced biosecurity.
Four more counties must now house kept birds.

More avian influenza housing measures have been introduced in the north of England, following increased findings of avian influenza among wild birds.

As of 7 April, bird keepers in Cumbria, County Durham, Northumberland and Tyneside must now house any kept birds. They must also continue following the strictest biosecurity measures, as required by the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ).

The four counties join East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Shropshire, York, North Yorkshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Cheshire, Merseyside and Lancashire in maintaining these avian influenza housing measures. Bird keepers across Northern Ireland must also follow these rules.

Mandatory housing also applies to bird keepers within a 3km Protection Zone or 3km Captive Bird Monitoring (Controlled) Zone around an infected premises.

Bird keepers across all of the UK must continue to follow the enhanced biosecurity which is mandated by AIPZs. This includes keepers of pet birds, commercial flocks or backyard flocks.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) says that the extended measures are necessary to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks.

It states that all measures are introduced in a phased or escalating manner proportionate to the risk in the area. They will remain in force until further notice, however the government is conducting regular reviews.

Ele Brown, UK deputy chief veterinary officer, said: “Due to the increasing number of bird flu cases in the north of England, particularly in regions with high-density poultry farming, we are extending housing measures to Cumbria, Durham, Northumberland and Tyneside.
 
“Bird keepers are urged to stay alert for any signs of disease, maintain strict biosecurity practices, and report any suspected cases of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”

Bird keepers should consult Defra’s map to see if they are within a bird flu disease zone. New bird keepers must also register within one month of keeping birds at any premises.

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.