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New registration rules announced to protect poultry
During previous outbreaks, challenges arose when trying to communicate with smallholders and backyard keepers.
All bird keepers will have to register their flocks regardless of size.

Every bird keeper in Great Britain will have to register their birds, regardless of flock size, under new rules announced by the UK government on Tuesday, 19 March.

The government hopes that the new measures will improve its ability to manage any future outbreaks of diseases such as avian influenza and Newcastle disease.

Until now, only keepers with 50 or more birds needed to register. By including all bird keepers in the register, there will be more information available for disease surveillance and identifying keepers in disease control zones.

Bird keepers will have until 1 September 2024 to register in Scotland, and until 1 October 2024 in England and Wales. They will also have to update their details annually. Registered keepers will receive updates about local avian disease outbreaks and biosecurity rules.

The changes have been taken forward from a recommendation in the 2018 Dame Glenys Stacey Review, which looked at farm regulation, as well as lessons learned during the recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The rules apply to anyone keeping poultry and other captive birds, including chickens, turkeys, birds of prey, aviary birds, ducks, geese, pigeons, and emus. However, they do not apply to anyone keeping caged pet birds, such as parrots, budgerigars and canaries, inside their home.

Christine Middlemiss, UK chief veterinary officer, said: “These new rules will enable us to have a full picture of the number and location of birds kept across Great Britain, making it easier to track and manage the spread of avian disease.

“This information will be vital in helping to inform future risk assessments and maintain our commitment to continually building our extensive avian influenza research portfolio.”

Sheila Voas, Scotland’s chief veterinary officer, added: “We have faced challenges during previous outbreaks in clearly communicating the changes in both risk and mandatory biosecurity requirements to bird keepers, particularly smallholders and backyard keepers.

“This approach will enable us all to be better prepared and protected against a future pandemic.”

Image © Shutterstock

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VMD responds to Solensia injection concerns

News Story 1
 The VMD has added anaphylaxis to the SPC of Solensia 7 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cats.

It says that this is a rare side effect, with such adverse events affecting fewer than three animals for every 1000 doses of Solensia sold.

Solensia is used to alleviate osteoarthritis pain in cats. It contains the active ingredient frunevetmab.

Anaphylaxis joins effects such as alopecia, dermatitis, pruritus on the list of adverse effects.

The VMD says that is constantly reviewing adverse event data for all medicines. 

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Applications open for RCVS Fellowship

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has opened applications for veterinary surgeons to join the RCVS Fellowship.

The RCVS Fellowship is a learned society which works to advance veterinary standards and promote scientific excellence.

Veterinary surgeons can enter the RCVS Fellowship through three routes, each with different criteria. This enables people with a range of expertise and experience to join the society.

The routes are: Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice, Meritorious Contributions to Knowledge and Meritorious Contributions to the Profession.

Applicants must share a summary of their contributions to the profession, including examples of significant works produced throughout their career. The application will then be assessed by a panel of judges against a set of criteria.

Veterinary surgeons have until 4pm on Friday, 14 March to submit applications. More information, including requirements and guidance can be found here.