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Avian influenza identified in Staffordshire
A case of H5N8 avian influenza has been confirmed in chickens at a premises in Staffordshire.
Discovery comes ahead of the lifting of housing restrictions on Wednesday. 

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 has been confirmed in broiler chickens at a commercial premises in East Staffordshire.

A 3km Protection and 10km Surveillance Zone has been placed around the infected premises near Uttoxeter, replacing the Temporary Control Zones introduced on 27 March 2021. 

This is the fourteenth case of (HPAI) H5N8 in poultry in England and comes ahead of the lifting of compulsory housing measures for poultry and captive birds (31 March). The APHA has stated that it is currently reviewing this situation and will provide clarification 'very soon'.

Earlier this month, the APHA reduced the risk level of avian influenza in the UK from ‘high’ to ‘medium’. While the compulsory housing restrictions are set to end, the avian influenza prevention zone requiring enhanced biosecurity will remain in place. 

Under the AIPZ, bird gatherings are still prohibited and high standards of biosecurity remain essential. In a joint statement Great Britain’s three Chief Veterinary Officers said: 

“We have taken swift action to contain and eliminate this disease and all bird keepers - whether they have just a few birds or thousands - must continue to do their bit to maintain strict biosecurity measures on their premises so that we do not lose the progress that we have made over the past few months as Low risk does not mean No Risk.”

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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.