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Avian influenza confirmed in Devon
There have been several cases of HPAI H5N8 in poultry and non-poultry across ENgland in recent weeks. 

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone has been declared around the premises.

A protection zone has been placed around a premises in Exmouth, Devon, after the confirmation of avian influenza in backyard poultry.

The discovery has been confirmed by government officials as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8.

An update from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on Wednesday (30 December) reads: 'Highly pathogenic (H5N8) avian influenza has been confirmed in backyard poultry at a premises near Exmouth, East Devon, Devon. A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been declared.'

This is the eleventh case HPAI H5N8 in poultry in England. There have also been three recent cases of H5N8 in other captive birds and one case at a premises in Orkney, Scotland. Multiple species of wild birds have also tested positive for the disease in recent weeks.

All bird keepers in England are required by law to take a range of biosecurity precautions, including housing their birds, except in very specific circumstances.
These housing measures build on the strengthened biosecurity regulations that were introduced as part of the Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ) on 11 November.

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.