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Human swine flu case discovered in UK
Pig keepers are urged to report any suspicion of swine flu to their vet immediately.
UKHSA is stepping up surveillance measures.

Health officials have confirmed the first human case of influenza A(H1N2)v in the UK, a strain similar to the flu viruses currently circulating in pigs.

The case was detected as part of routine flu surveillance by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Royal College of General Practitioners after an unnamed individual in North Yorkshire visited their GP earlier this month with respiratory symptoms.

The individual has since recovered after what has been described as a ‘mild illness’. It is not yet known how they caught the virus.

UKHSA said that it is working closely with partners to determine the characteristics of the virus and assess the risk to human health. It is also increasing flu surveillance in the local area.

Meera Chand, incident director at UKHSA, said: “We are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce any potential spread.

“In accordance with established protocols, investigations are underway to learn how the individual acquired the infection and to assess whether there are any further associated cases.”

Since 2005, there have been 50 recorded cases of influenza A(H1N2)v globally. This is the first case in the UK.

Early information indicates that the individual was infected with a clade (1b.1.1) that is similar to the viruses circulating in UK pigs but different from other recent cases of influenza A(H1N2) in humans.

Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said: “We know that some diseases of animals can be transferred to humans – which is why high standards of animal health, welfare and biosecurity are so important.

“Through our animal and human surveillance systems we work together to protect everyone. In this case we are providing specialist veterinary and scientific knowledge to support the UKHSA investigation.

“Pig keepers must also report any suspicion of swine flu in their herds to their local vet immediately.”

Image © Shutterstock

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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
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.