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UK declared free from avian influenza
International standards have been met to declare the country free from avian flu.
Chief vet urges ongoing vigilance as the winter months approach.

The UK has been declared free from avian influenza following a significant outbreak of the disease last winter.

Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said international standards have been met to declare the country free from avian flu but urged poultry keepers to remain vigilant for signs of the disease as the winter approaches.

“The last year has been very challenging for all those who keep poultry and captive birds, and I would like to thank everyone for their efforts in helping us contain the disease,” she said. “This is an important milestone that will help our efforts to re-open export markets.”

The highly pathogenic strain of avian flu continues to spread throughout Europe in both wild and captive birds. Experts fear that as winter sets in, the possibility of migratory birds flying to the UK will increase the risks for domestic poultry.

A total of 26 cases of avian influenza were confirmed in kept birds and wild poultry in the UK between November 2020 and March 2021. For all cases, the APHA introduced movement restrictions to mitigate the disease spread and carried out investigations into the source and potential spread of the infection.

Several measures were also introduced to protect poultry from wild birds, including a ban on bird gatherings and a requirement for bird keepers to keep their flocks indoors.

“While we are now free of bird flu in this country there is a constant risk of the disease returning through wild birds and this is likely to increase as winter approaches, temperatures fall, and more migratory birds start arriving in the UK,” Ms Middlemiss added.

“Poultry and captive bird keepers should maintain good biosecurity practises, such as cleaning footwear, feeding birds indoors, and minimising contact with wild birds. Building these simple actions into routines now will go a long way to limiting the risk of future outbreaks.”

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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.