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Avian Influenza Prevention Zone in place across England
Defra also announced new  housing orders in England.
All bird keepers must conduct enhanced biosecurity.

A new Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been ordered by the UK’s chief veterinary officer to cover the whole of England.

The zone came into force on Saturday, 25 January amidst increasing concerns about avian influenza risk levels in wild birds.

Under the Defra rules, bird keepers must now practice enhanced biosecurity measures to prevent further outbreaks. The chief veterinary officer also urges bird keepers to remain alert for signs of the disease and report any suspicions to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

The AIPZ applies to all bird keepers, including those keeping pet birds, commercial flocks and birds in a backyard flock.

Defra has also announced new changes to housing orders across England from Monday, 27 January.

The housing order in the north of England has been extended to cover York and north Yorkshire. A new housing order has also been announced for Shropshire after cases were discovered in the county.

Other places with housing orders include East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

These areas must follow the strictest levels of biosecurity. The mandatory housing also applies to any 3km Protection Zone which surrounds an infected premises.

Bird keepers should consult the interactive map to see how they are affected, and then consult either the guidance for regional areas with or without housing measures for further details.

Further details about the ongoing situation and specific guidance for bird keepers can also be found on the government website. This includes measures such as cleansing and disinfecting clothing, vehicles and footwear if someone suspects they have been in contact with avian influenza.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, said: “Given the continued increase in the number of bird flu cases across England, we are taking further action to try and prevent the further spread of disease.
 
“I urge bird keepers to check which requirements apply to them, to continue to exercise robust biosecurity measures, remain alert for any signs of disease and report suspected disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Avian Influenza Prevention Zone introduced across Wales

News Story 1
 An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been introduced across Wales.

From 30 January, all bird keepers in Wales must implement strict biosecurity measures to protect poultry and captive birds. This includes a mandatory self-assessment checklist.

The Animal & Plant Health Agency has already introduced AIPZs in Scotland and England, with mandatory housing in some parts of England. The avian influenza interactive map reveals where restrictions are in place, with further information about Wales' AIPZ here. 

Click here for more...
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Applications open for RCVS Fellowship

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has opened applications for veterinary surgeons to join the RCVS Fellowship.

The RCVS Fellowship is a learned society which works to advance veterinary standards and promote scientific excellence.

Veterinary surgeons can enter the RCVS Fellowship through three routes, each with different criteria. This enables people with a range of expertise and experience to join the society.

The routes are: Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice, Meritorious Contributions to Knowledge and Meritorious Contributions to the Profession.

Applicants must share a summary of their contributions to the profession, including examples of significant works produced throughout their career. The application will then be assessed by a panel of judges against a set of criteria.

Veterinary surgeons have until 4pm on Friday, 14 March to submit applications. More information, including requirements and guidance can be found here.