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Case definition published for avian flu in cattle
Image: a chicken wandering by cattle
The UK government has said that it is monitoring the situation in the USA.
APHA adds definition following cases in US herds.

The UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its case definition and diagnostic testing criteria for highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in mammals, following the spread of the virus among dairy cattle in the USA.

A new suspect case definition has been added for cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. The criteria include the animal being on a farm, or near a location, where avian flu has been detected, and, for dairy animals, a sudden unexplained drop in herd level milk production.

Since March 2024, several cases of avian flu have been detected in cattle herds in the USA. So far, it has been confirmed in nine states. Cattle being transported between states are now being tested for the virus.

In April, the US Department of Agriculture stated that evidence suggested that cattle-to-cattle transmission was taking place.

Although there is currently no evidence of the virus affecting cattle in the UK, the UK government has said that it is taking the outbreak in the USA very seriously. The new case definition will help APHA to monitor, triage and, when necessary, test any report cases that arise.

A government spokesperson said: “We are monitoring reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) identified in dairy cattle in the USA and are working closely with international counterparts to better understand the virus strain associated with these cases.

“This does not change the risk level for animals in the UK, which is currently ‘low’ and we have no reason to suspect the virus is circulating in our cattle and nor is this virus strain circulating in Europe.”

Image © Shutterstock

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New guidelines published for wildlife disease surveillance

News Story 1
 A set of international guidelines for disease surveillance in wildlife has been updated for the first time since 2015.

Released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the World Organisation for Animal Health, General Guidelines for Surveillance of Diseases, Pathogens and Toxic Agents in Free-ranging Wildlife is designed to help wildlife authorities and others working with wildlife carry out effective surveillance programmes.

The document, which cover areas including choosing appropriate strategies, safety and biosafety protocols, and ethical and legal considerations, can be read here.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Restricted zone extended after more bluetongue cases

After three new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 were detected along the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire border, the restricted zone has been extended.

The zone now includes Buckinghamshire and part of Berkshire, as well as Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Essex, Greater London, part of Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, part of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, part of Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Surrey, and West Sussex.

Susceptible animals in the restricted zone should only be moved if it is essential. A specific licence is needed to move a susceptible animal from within the restricted zone to outside of the zone.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. In Northern Ireland, suspected cases should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the areas where restrictions apply can be found here.