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Man dies after first human case of H5N2 avian flu
The virus has been detected in poultry in Mexico.
The cause of the case in Mexico is not currently known.

A 59-year-old man in Mexico has died after becoming the first known human to contract the H5N2 strain of avian influenza.

The individual, who had multiple underlying health conditions, was hospitalised in Mexico City on 24 April after developing symptoms including fever, shortness of breath, diarrhoea, and nausea. He passed away the same day.

A respiratory sample, sent away for testing, was found to be positive for the H5N2 strain. The World Health Organization (WHO) was notified.

Although the H5N2 strain has been detected in poultry in Mexico, the source of the individual’s exposure is not currently known.

Contacts of the patient were identified and monitored, but none of them tested positive for the virus. WHO has assessed the current risk to the general human population as low.

The case comes at a time when a different strain of avian influenza, H5N1, has caused two human cases in the USA linked to an ongoing outbreak among dairy cattle. Both patients experienced mild eye symptoms.

Ian Jones, professor of virology at the University of Reading, said: “It is impossible to generalise from a single case. However, as H5N2 is present in Mexico and the infected individual had underlying medical conditions, which may have contributed to the outcome, it would be reasonable to suppose this is a one-off case of zoonotic transfer with no potential to spread.

“This would be consistent with previous examples of occasional avian influenza infections in people. Unless or until there is evidence of strain adaptation or sustained transmission, the risk to the population is very low.

“The case should act to reinforce the importance of monitoring and eradicating outbreaks in poultry as soon as they occur.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Veterinary Dispensary Manager Online Course relaunched

News Story 1
 The VMD has announced dates for its next Veterinary Dispensary Manager Online Course.

The event will relaunch on Thursday, 23 October 2025 from 9am to 5pm and will be delivered through an interactive online session.

It is open for anyone involved in a veterinary dispensary role, whether they are new to the topic or looking for a refresh. Attendees will receive vital insights into the safe and compliant handling of veterinary medicines.

The course can be booked online for £495. 

Click here for more...
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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.