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UK-wide avian flu housing order announced
Keepers are being urged to follow strict biosecurity measures to keep their flocks safe from avian flu.

Move follows several confirmed cases across the UK in recent weeks. 

New housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds from avian influenza will come into force on Monday (29 November), making it a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the UK to keep their flocks indoors.

The move was agreed by the UK's Chief Veterinary Officers (CVOs) for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland following several confirmed cases across the UK in recent weeks.

The UK’s CVOs are calling on bird keepers to use the coming days to prepare for the housing measures, including steps to safeguard animal welfare, consult their vet and build additional housing where necessary.

Keepers are also being urged to follow strict biosecurity measures to keep their birds safe.

A joint statement issued by the CVOs reads: “We have taken swift action to limit the spread of the disease and are now planning to introduce a legal requirement for all poultry and captive bird keepers to keep their birds housed or otherwise separate from wild birds.

“Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, from Monday 29 November onwards you will be legally required to keep your birds indoors or take appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds. We have not taken this decision lightly, taking this action now is the best way to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.”
 
On Sunday (21 November), housing measures were introduced to parts of Yorkshire after a number of confirmed and suspected cases of H5N1 avian influenza in the area. 

The total number of cases of the disease in the UK currently stands at 17.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.