Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 6th April 2021
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Compulsory poultry housing restrictions lifted
The risk of avian influenza with good bisecurity has been reduced to 'low'.
Birds keepers must maintain strict biosecurity measures on their premises.

Compulsory housing measures for poultry and captive birds were lifted on Thursday (31 March), but biosecurity measures will remain in place ‘until further notice’, the UK’s chief veterinary officers have confirmed.

First introduced in December to prevent the spread of avian influenza, the housing measures followed several confirmed cases of the disease in England. The most recent was a case of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian flu in captive birds near Skelmersdale, West Lancashire, on 31 March 2021.

Defra stressed that while the risk of avian flu in poultry with good biosecurity has reduced to ‘low’, it remains at ‘medium’ where there is poor biosecurity. As such, bird keepers are being urged to maintain enhanced biosecurity requirements, introduced as part of the Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ) on 11 November. 

Extra precautions, such as cleaning and disinfecting equipment and limiting access to non-essential people on site, are also being encouraged. 

In a joint statement, Great Britain’s three Chief Veterinary Officers said: “This will be welcome news for poultry keepers across the country who have put great effort into keeping their flocks safe this winter.

“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.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.