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Avian flu: wild birds a "possible source"
turkeys
BVA has advised poultry keepers to work with their local vet.
Defra issues new biosecurity guidance

After recent outbreaks of avian flu in East Yorkshire and Germany, Defra has released updated guidance on biosecurity. Investigations to determine the origin are ongoing, but Defra has said wild birds are a "possible source".

A cull of 6,000 birds has been completed on the Yorkshire duck breeding farm, where an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N8 strain was confirmed on November 16. It was the first UK case of the H5 strain since 2008.

Poultry keepers are being advised to minimise contact with wild birds while the source of the outbreak is being investigated.

Guidance includes:
  • Ensuring housing is bird-proof to reduce the likelihood of contact with wild birds
  • Minimising contamination of food and water supplies by wild birds
  • Avoiding placement of housing close to water
  • Preventing the accumulation of standing water
  • Removing any spilled feed that could attract wild birds
  • Isolating new birds before they are placed with existing farm birds
  • Providing clean food and drinking water, preferably indoors, to avoid contamination

BVA president John Blackwell has welcomed the update. "The advice emphasises the importance of maintaining the highest biosecurity standards during an outbreak of avian flu, including protecting domestic poultry flocks from the risk of contact with wild birds.

"Poultry should be housed where possible and kept away from standing water, with food and water supplies protected. BVA would encourage poultry keepers to work with their local vets and take their advice on appropriate biosecurity measures if in any doubt".

Avian flu spreads between birds through direct contact or contaminated body fluids or faeces. Highly pathogenic avian flu is often fatal in birds. Clinical signs include a swollen head, loss of appetite, blue discolouration of neck and throat, diarrhoea, fewer eggs laid and respiratory distress including gaping beak, coughing, sneezing, gurgling or rattling. Some species, including ducks and geese, may show minimal clinical signs.

For further information, visit Defra's website: https://www.gov.uk/avian-influenza-bird-flu#biosecurity-guidance

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.