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Avian influenza prevention zones lifted
There have been no cases of H5N6 avian influenza in poultry in the UK this year.
Decision follows an assessment by the APHA

Avian Influenza Prevention Zones in England and Wales have been lifted after an assessment found the risk level in wild birds has reduced to low.

The move means that poultry keepers in England and Wales are no longer required to follow strict biosecurity requirements. Keepers of birds, however, are still encouraged to follow biosecurity advice for good practice, no matter the size of their flock.

Earlier this month, an updated veterinary risk assessment carried out by the Animal and Health Plant Agency (APHA) suggested there is now a decrease in the likelihood of finding a case of H5N6 in England and Wales.

There has only been only one finding of the disease in a wild bird in Wales this year, and the last recorded case in the UK was on the 18 April in Suffolk. There have been no cases of H5N6 avian influenza in poultry in the UK this year.

Welsh cabinet secretary Lesley Griffiths said: “In January, I took action and declared the whole of Wales an Avian Influenza prevention Zone in response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N6 finding in England. This was a precautionary measure to minimise the risk of infection to poultry here in Wales.

“We have since been monitoring the situation closely and the latest risk assessment by APHA has concluded that the risk has reduced from High to Low for wild birds and the risk to poultry is also low.”

Chief veterinary officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop added: “I cannot stress enough the need for all keepers or poultry and other captive birds to remain vigilant for signs of the disease and to continue to practice the very highest levels of biosecurity.

“If anyone suspects disease they should contact the APHA immediately. Also, we can  all play a part in supporting the ongoing surveillance by reporting any findings of dead wild birds to the GB helpline.”

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com