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Avian flu confirmed in UK dolphins
These are the first confirmed cases of avian flu in dolphins in the UK.

The dolphins were found on beaches in Devon and Pembrokeshire.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has confirmed that two dead common dolphins have tested positive for the H5N1 variant of avian influenza. The dolphin carcasses were found in February on beaches in Devon and Pembrokeshire.

It is thought that these cases have been caused by the dolphins eating infected birds. There is very limited evidence of mammal-to-mammal transmission in the wild.

Avian influenza primarily affects poultry and wild birds, but there are an increasing number of avian influenza cases in mammalian animals, including both terrestrial and aquatic.

Since 2021, the total number of confirmed cases in non-avian wildlife in the UK comes to 23. Previous cases have been confirmed in red foxes, grey seals, harbour seals and Eurasian otters, but these are the first confirmed cases in common dolphins.

Avian flu has been found in dolphins in other parts of the world, including Florida and Peru.

APHA cannot confirm that avian influenza was the sole cause of death with these two dolphins, it is possible that there were other contributing factors.

A spokesperson for APHA said: “Samples taken as part of routine wildlife surveillance have detected the presence of influenza of avian origin in two dolphins and one porpoise.

“The animals were found dead, and it is very likely they had predated on infected wild birds.

“The presence of influenza of avian origin in mammals is not new, although it is uncommon, and the risk of the H5N1 strain to non-avian UK wildlife remains low.”

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Free CPD announced for BVNA members

News Story 1
 Zoetis is to present a CPD event for free to members of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA).

Led by veterinary consultant Ruth Moxon, the one-hour online session is designed to help veterinary nurses discuss parasiticide options with clients. It will advise on structuring recommendations, factors for product choice and moving away from 'selling'.

'How do you recommend parasite treatments to your clients?' will be presented on Tuesday, 20 May at 7.30pm. It is free for BVNA members, with 15.00 tickets for non-members.

Veterinary nurses can email cpd@bvna.co.uk to book their place. 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.