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Avian flu detected in 17 wild birds
Avian influenza has been detected in 17 wild birds in Dorset.



Virus closely related to European strain 

Defra has confirmed that avian influenza has been detected in 17 wild birds in Dorset.



It is the first confirmed finding of the virus in the UK this winter and tests show that it is closely related to the H5N6 strain that has been circulating in wild birds across Europe.



“This is the first time avian flu has been identified in the UK this winter and while the disease does not represent a threat to the public, it is highly infectious and deadly to birds,” said chief veterinary offer Nigel Gibbens
.

“As the virus has been circulating across Europe, this finding has not come as a surprise. But it is vital that anyone who keeps birds - whether a few in a back garden or thousands on a farm - is vigilant for any signs of disease, reports suspect disease to APHA and maintains good biosecurity to reduce the risk of their birds becoming infected.”



There is no legislative requirement to put restrictions in place when this strain of virus is found in wild birds. However, the chief vet has confirmed that local measures will be introduced to help manage the potential threat.



In Dorset, a local ‘avian influenza prevention zone’ will be introduced where the diseased birds were found. This means that birds keepers must put in place enhanced biosecurity measures, such as feeding and watering birds indoors.

Defra states that there are no plans to undertake any culls or introduce movement restrictions. It adds that the risk to domestic poultry remains low, but bird keepers are reminded to follow biosecurity advice on gov.uk.

BVA president John Fishwick responded: “I’d encourage vets to reassure their clients that this strain of Avian Influenza poses a very low risk to public health and the food chain. Defra have acted swiftly to try and contain further spread of the disease, which has likely come from migratory birds, yet vets and poultry owners should remain vigilant for signs of the disease.”


British Veterinary Poultry Association (BVPA) president Phil Hammond added:
 “It’s really important that all bird keepers heed biosecurity advice issued by Defra, and maintain the highest biosecurity standards. Any suspicion of Avian Influenza should be reported to the APHA as soon as possible.” 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.