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Avian flu cases confirmed in Norfolk
A case of HPAI H5N8 avian influenza has been confirmed in rearing ducks at a premises in Norfolk.

Disease found in non-poultry at captive bird premises.

Two further cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPA1 H5N8) have been confirmed in England.

On 28 December, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), confirmed the disease in rearing ducks at a premises in Norfolk.

All birds on the infected site near Watton, Breckland, have been humanely culled. 'A 3.4km Protection Zone and 10.4km Surveillance Zone has been declared around the premises', the APHA said. 

On 26 December, H5N8 was confirmed at a captive bird, non-poultry, premises near Attleborough, Breckland, Norfolk.

'Further testing confirmed this to be the highly pathogenic strain,' the APHA said. 'All birds on the infected premises have been humanely culled and a 3km Protection Zone and 10km Temporary Control Surveillance Zone have been declared around the premises'.

Since 14 December, it has been a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors. 

A joint statement from the UK's three Chief Veterinary Officers read: “Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, from 14 December onwards you will be legally required to keep your birds indoors or take appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds. We have not taken this decision lightly, but it is the best way to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.”

For more information on avian influenza, including the latest guidance, visit GOV.UK

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.