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UK risk of Newcastle disease increased to medium
Outbreaks have been confirmed this month on two premises for commercial poultry in East Flanders. (Stock photo)
Move from Defra follows new outbreaks in Belgium

The risk of Newcastle disease (ND) being introduced the UK has been raised from ‘low’ to ‘medium’, Defra has announced following two recent outbreaks in Belgium.

Outbreaks have been confirmed this month on two premises for commercial poultry in East Flanders.

The first premises holds more than 3,600 poultry and is a dealer in hobby birds, according to the Belgian authorities. On the second premises, there are around 60,000 poultry, of which less than 10 per cent showed severe signs or mortality.

According to a disease report from Defra, there have been 10 outbreaks of ND since June, at hobbyist poultry premises in Liege, Antwerp, Hainaut, Brabant Wallon, Brabant Flamand, East Flanders and West Flanders.

Currently any birds showing clinical signs are being euthanised, while others present are being vaccinated.

In May, there were reports of ND on a premises with 13 hobby birds in Luxembourg, on the border with Belgium. Another case was confirmed in hobby birds in Liege, Belgium, in April. The majority of confirmed Belgian cases are on hobby keeper premises.

As a result of the outbreaks, Defra has increased the UK’s risk level to medium. Pathways for ND to enter the UK include the movement of live poultry and wild birds; contact with fomites and contaminated equipment, clothing or transport; or contact with infected meat or meat products.

Defra said it will continue to monitor the situation closely.

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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.