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EFSA tracks ‘most likely pathway’ for avian influenza
Experts conducted a thorough review of the information on avian influenza outbreaks in recent years. (stock photo)
Experts offer new advice to protect UK poultry

New research by EFSA suggests the most likely pathway for avian influenza to enter the EU is through migratory wild birds crossing the north-eastern and eastern border.

Experts conducted a thorough review of the information on avian influenza outbreaks in recent years and reviewed surveillance approaches.

One of the main recommendations is that any water birds found dead should be reported to local veterinary authorities, particularly during autumn and winter, as this is peak season for influenza.

EFSA says it is also important to test farmed water birds, such as ducks and geese, for the virus, as they can easily come into contact with wild birds and spread the virus. This can be done by blood analysis of live poultry, and testing farmed water birds that are found dead.

Farmers and poultry keepers are also advised to adopt appropriate biosecurity measures. This includes preventing direct contact between wild water birds and poultry, using nets or by keeping poultry indoors during peak influenza season. Movement of animals between farms should also be avoided.

Arjan Stegeman, chair of the working group on avian influenza, said this research will “enhance the EU’s preparedness for avian influenza outbreaks”.

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Pet Blood Bank announces twists to annual fundraiser

News Story 1
 Pet Blood Bank has revealed that its annual fundraiser, 'Around the Coast in 30 Days', will now include mini challenges.

It is the fourth year of the challenge, which asks people to walk, run, swim or cycle a part of a 11,232 mile goal.

However this year's fundraiser, starting 1 May, includes extra challenges throughout the month. Pet Blood Bank says these tasks will showcase its work.

The challenge can be completed individually, or as a team, with miles recorded on the participant's fundraising page.

Register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
SCOPS updates anthelmintics guide

The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group has published an updated version of its free guide to anthelmintics.

Know Your Anthelmintics, created to help farmers and livestock keepers, lists the available products for treating internal and external parasites in sheep and gives advice on how they should be administered. This includes guidance on drenching and injecting correctly and minimising the impact that anthelmintics have on the environment.

The new version contains information about products released in recent months and changes to older products.

Kevin Harrison, sheep farmer and SCOPS chair, said: "I can't count the times I've used the SCOPS Know Your Anthelmintics guide when making decisions about my flock, to remind myself which group a wormer belongs to or check other details."

The guide is available on the SCOPS website.