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Avian flu prevention zone declared across UK
The AIPZ applies to all bird keepers, including keepers of backyard chickens, ducks and geese.

All bird keepers are now legally required to follow strict biosecurity measures.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been introduced across the whole of the United Kingdom following a number of detections of the disease in wild birds.

The measure, declared by the UK’s chief veterinary officers on Wednesday (3 November), means that all bird keepers are now legally required to follow strict biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.

Under the AIPZ, keepers with more than 500 birds must restrict access on their sites to non-essential people, workers will be required to change footwear and clothing before entering bird enclosures, and site vehicles will need to be regularly cleaned and disinfected. 

Keepers of backyard chickens, ducks and geese must also now take steps to limit the spread of the disease to poultry and other captive birds.

The introduction of the AIPZ comes after avian flu was identified in captive birds in England, Wales and most recently, Scotland. Wild birds at various sites across the UK have also tested positive for the disease.

A joint statement issued by the Chief Veterinary Officers for England, Scotland and Wales said: “Following a number of detections of avian influenza in wild birds across Great Britain we have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone across the whole of Great Britain. This means that all bird keepers must take action now to prevent the disease spreading to poultry and other domestic birds.

“Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, you are now legally required to introduce higher biosecurity standards on your farm or small holding. It is in your interests to do so in order to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.

“The UK health agencies have confirmed that the risk to public health is very low and UK food standards agencies advise that bird flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.”

The risk levels for avian flu incursion in wild birds in the UK has been raised from ‘medium’ to ‘high’. For poultry and captive birds, the risk level has been raised from ‘low’ to ‘medium’ at premises where biosecurity is below the required standards.


Keepers are not currently required to house their birds indoors, but Defra states this ‘will be kept under regular review.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.