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.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 9th January 2017
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

H5N8 found in backyard flock in Yorkshire
chicken
“We have taken swift action to limit the risk of the disease spreading." (stock photo)

Even small flocks must be kept apart from wild birds, chief vet says
 
Avian influenza H5N8 has been confirmed in a small backyard flock near Settle in North Yorkshire, Defra has confirmed.

A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place around the premises and all remaining live birds are being humanely culled. The infected flock contained 17 chickens and ducks, several of which died from the disease.

Chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens said: “We have taken swift action to limit the risk of the disease spreading. Restrictions are now in place around the affected premises and a full investigation is underway to determine the source of the infection.

“This finding in a backyard flock shows how essential it is for all poultry owners, even those who just keep a few birds as pets, to do everything they can to keep them separate from wild birds and minimise the risk of them catching avian flu via the environment.

“This means keeping birds in a suitable building where possible, and taking precautions such as putting up netting, keeping food and water inside and disinfecting footwear and equipment after contact with birds.”

The same strain of avian influenza was detected in a backyard flock in Carmarthenshire, Wales, last week and on a turkey farm in Lincolnshire in December. It has also been confirmed in wild birds in England, Scotland and Wales.

A prevention zone requiring birds to be housed indoors or separated from wild birds has been extended until 28 February. There is also a temporary ban on bird gatherings.

Practical advice has been issued for people with backyard poultry to help them comply with the requirements: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#backyard-flocks

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

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.