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Further avian flu cases confirmed
A UK-wide avian flu housing order was announced in November.
Chief vet issues urgent plea for biosecurity action. 

Further outbreaks of avian flu have been confirmed in Lincolnshire and Hampshire.

The outbreaks come as the UK faces its largest outbreak ever of avian flu, with more than 60 cases confirmed since the beginning of November. 

The most recent outbreak was identified at premises near Romsey, Test Valley.  Cases were also confirmed over the festive period in King’s Lynn, West Norfolk and East Lindsey.

Last week, the UK’s chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss called on poultry keepers to undertake the urgent biosecurity measures needed to keep their birds safe and prevent the further spread of the disease. 

She said: “We have taken swift action to limit the spread of the disease including introducing housing measures. However, we are seeing a growing number of bird flu cases both on commercial farms and in backyard birds right across the country.

“Implementing scrupulous biosecurity has never been more critical. You must regularly clean and disinfect your footwear and clothes before entering enclosures, stop your birds mixing with any wild birds and only allow visitors that are strictly necessary.”

A UK-wide avian flu housing order was announced in November, making it a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their flocks indoors. 

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Voting opens for BEVA Council

News Story 1
 Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.

There are five candidates standing for four available places on Council. They are:

  • Alexandre Triguino
  • Angela Jones
  • Beth Bryant
  • Holly Rees
  • Hugh Somerville
Full profiles for each candidate can be found on the BEVA website

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Government releases latest bluetongue statistics

APHA has confirmed the number of bluetongue cases that have been logged in the UK since 1 July 2026.

The total number of BTV-3 cases, as of 6 August, is 187. This includes 183 cases in England and four cases in Wales.

There have been no recorded cases in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The location of premises in Great Britain where at least one animal has tested positive by PCR for BTV-3, BTV-8 or BTV-12 is available on the bluetongue case map. All livestock keepers in Great Britain are urged to familiarise themselves with nation-specific bluetongue control policies.

Bluetongue virus is a notifiable disease. It is a legal requirement that any suspicions, even if livestock has been vaccinated, are reported immediately.