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Avian flu identified in Wales
"This is further evidence of the need for all keepers of poultry and captive birds to ensure they have the very highest levels of biosecurity in place" - CVO Christianne Glossop.
Wild birds believed to be the likely source of the outbreak.

Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in poultry and wild birds at a premises in Wrexham County Borough, Wales.

The Welsh government confirmed that temporary control zones have been imposed around the infected poultry premises. An investigation is now underway, but dead wild birds found in the area have tested positive for the virus and are believed to be the source of the outbreak. 

Avian flu has not been identified in Wales since January when the H5N8 strain of the virus was confirmed in pheasants on Anglesey. The announcement comes less than a week after avian flu was confirmed at a wild bird rescue centre in Worcestershire.

Bird keepers are being encouraged to stay vigilant for signs of the disease and to seek prompt advice from their veterinary surgeon if they have any concerns about the health of their animals. 

Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop, said: “Avian Influenza has been found in poultry and wild birds in the Wrexham area. This is further evidence of the need for all keepers of poultry and captive birds to ensure they have the very highest levels of biosecurity in place.

“Public Health Wales has said the risk to the health of the public from Avian Influenza is very low and the Food Standards Agency has made clear it does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.”

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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
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.