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.
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

Vets urge action to reduce avian flu risk
As winter approaches, the risk of migratory wild birds infecting domestic poultry increases.

“We encourage keepers across the UK to implement strong biosecurity practices now" - UK's CVOs. 

The UK’s four chief veterinary officers have released a joint statement calling on poultry keepers to act now to reduce the risk of avian influenza this winter.

While the UK was recently declared free from avian flu, there have been 26 outbreaks in poultry and captive birds in the last year, and more than 300 outbreaks in wild birds. 

The joint statement reads: “Avian flu is a continued threat to all poultry keepers, and as winter approaches we need to be ready for the increased risk of disease that migrating birds pose to our flocks.

“We encourage keepers across the UK to implement strong biosecurity practices now, including regular shed maintenance checks, cleaning and disinfecting footwear and signing up for our email and text alerts. Making these tasks a regular fixture of your disease control plans now will make a significant difference in the fight against avian flu this winter and for years to come.”

With winter approaching, the risk of migratory wild birds infecting domestic poultry increases, making it critical for poultry farmers and bird keepers to improve biosecurity standards. 

To mitigate the impact of avian flu in the UK, vets are urging poultry keepers to regularly clean and disinfect any hard surfaces, keep chickens and turkey separate from ducks and geese, and contact regular maintenance checks on their sheds.
Other measures include drawing up contingency plans for storing bedding and dealing with pests and putting fencing around outdoor areas where birds are allowed.

British Hen Welfare Trust founder Jane Howorth also called on those that keep hens as pets to prepare for the winter months:

“For those of us that enjoy keeping a few pet hens in our gardens, now is the time to start gearing up to protect them during the migration season when avian flu becomes more of a threat,” she said.
“It’s no more taxing than having to book any other family pet in for an annual health check, but is so important both for the safety of your own birds as well as that of the national commercial flock.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Two new roles on BEVA Nurse Committee

News Story 1
 The BEVA has opened two new roles on its Nurse Committee.

There is one role available for a full member (for three years) and one role for a student member (until they qualify).

Members must attend all meetings, occurring four times a year. They will assist the committee in understanding the field, identifying issues and engaging with external parties.

More details can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.