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Avian influenza confirmed in Worcestershire
The UK's chief veterinary officers are calling on poultry keepers to implement biosecurity measures now to reduce the spread of avian flu this winter.

A 3km and 10km control zone has been placed around the infected premises. 

All birds at a wildbird rescue centre in Worcestershire will be culled following the identification of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza on Tuesday (26 October).

A 3km and 10km temporary control zone has been placed around the infected premises, which does not supply meat, poultry or eggs to the commercial food chain.
An investigation is now underway to determine the most likely source of the outbreak.

“We have taken swift action to limit the spread of the disease, and any birds at risk of infection will now be humanely culled,” commented UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss.

“UK Health Security Agency has confirmed that the risk to public health is very low and the Food Standards Agency has said that bird flu poses a very low risk to food safety for UK consumers.”

Earlier this month, the UK’s four chief veterinary officers urged swift action from poultry keepers to reduce the risk of avian influenza this winter. While the UK was recently declared free from avian flu, there have now been 27 outbreaks in poultry and captive birds in the last year and more than 300 outbreaks in wild birds.

“As we move into the higher risk period over winter, bird keepers should pay extra attention to the health of their birds,” Ms Middlemiss continued.

“Anybody who suspects disease should report it to their vet or APHA immediately. The best way to tackle this disease is for poultry keepers to ensure that they have strong biosecurity measures in place.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.