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Fifth UK case of avian influenza confirmed
The APHA has updated its biosecurity guidance and published a new self-assessment biosecurity checklist.

Temporary control zones have been placed around the premises.

A fifth case of avian influenza has been confirmed in poultry and captive wild birds at a premises in Leicestershire.

This latest case in captive and wild birds follows the discovery of H5N8 avian influenza in Gloucestershire, Cheshire, Herefordshire and Kent.
A small number of wild birds in Gloucestershire, Devon and Dorset have also tested positive for the disease.

Temporary control zones of 3km and 10km have been placed around the premises located near Melton Mowbray. However, the pathogenicity has yet to be determined. 

Earlier this month, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was declared across the UK, meaning the bird keepers across England, Scotland and Wales now legally obliged to follow strict biosecurity measures. 

On Friday (20 November), the APHA updated its biosecurity guidance and published a new self-assessment biosecurity checklist for all bird keepers.

Chief veterinary officer for the UK, Christine Middlemiss, said: "Public Health England has confirmed that the risk to public health is very low and the Food Standards Agency advises that bird flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.

“Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, you are now legally required to meet enhanced biosecurity requirements and this is in your interests to do, to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.”

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA announces 12th Edition of the Small Animal Formulary

The BSAVA has published an updated edition of its Small Animal Formulary, which includes new drug monographs and emergency drug doses for rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles.

One of BSAVA's most trusted and widely used clinical resources, this 12th edition of the manual also includes seven new client information leaflets and information on drugs used for the management of urinary incontinence.

Part A of the Formulary, Canine and Feline, sees Fergus Allerton return as Editor-in-Chief, while Part B: Exotic Pets was edited by Joanna Hedley. For more information, visit the BSAVA website.