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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 18th November 2014
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Avian flu outbreak is highly contagious H5N8
duck farm
The outbreak may be linked to recent H5N8 cases in Germany and the Netherlands.

Cull underway at duck breeding farm in Yorkshire

Defra has confirmed an outbreak of avian flu at a Yorkshire duck breeding farm is the highly contagious H5N8 strain. It is the first case of the H5 strain in the UK since 2008.

Action is being taken to contain the outbreak and a cull of all 6,000 birds at the farm is now underway. A 10km restriction zone is also in operation, prohibiting movement of poultry, products and waste.

Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the outbreak is linked to recent cases in the Netherlands and Germany, which were also the H5N8 strain.

A spokesperson for Defra said: "As part of our robust action in response to the confirmed case of avian flu, the culling of 6,000 ducks on the affected farm in east Yorkshire is underway.

"The cull to prevent the spread of potential infection is being carried out in a safe and humane manner by fully trained Animal and Plant Health Agency (formerly AHVLA) staff.

"Our response to this outbreak follows tried and tested procedures for dealing with avian flu outbreaks and we expect the cull to be completed later today."

According to the Chief Medical Officer and Public Health England the risk to public health is "very low". The Food Standards Agency says poultry and poultry products (such as eggs) are safe to eat as long as they are cooked thoroughly.

Image ©MiNe/Wikimedia Commons CC-BY-2.0



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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.