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New avian flu outbreak in Lincolnshire
turkeys
There are thought to be around 6,000 turkeys at the premises (stock photo).

H5N8 strain confirmed in turkey flock
 
Avian flu H5N8 has been confirmed in a flock of around 6,000 turkeys at a farm in East Lindsey in Lincolnshire.

The case follows confirmation of the disease at a nearby turkey farm on 16 December 2016. Defra says there is unlikely to be a direct link to the previous case, but a full investigation is underway.

A number of turkeys have died and the remainder are being humanely culled. A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been put in place around the infected premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

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

“This finding reminds us that we must all be vigilant for signs of disease and take steps to minimise the risk of birds catching the disease from wild birds – either directly or through the environment.

“This means complying with the legal requirement currently in place to house birds or otherwise keep them separate from wild birds and following strict biosecurity measures to minimise the risk of avian flu spreading via the environment.”

The same strain has been found in backyard flocks in Carmarthenshire, Wales, and Settle, North Yorkshire, earlier this month. It was also found at another turkey farm in Lincolnshire in December, and in a number of wild birds in England, Scotland and Wales.

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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.