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APHA announces poultry gathering ban
New cases have been reported in East Riding of Yorkshire, Merseyside and Cornwall.
The ban affects England, Scotland and Wales from Monday 10 February.

The Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) has introduced a ban on the gathering of poultry, as cases of avian influenza increase among kept birds.

From midday on Monday, 10 February, the gathering of poultry will be banned in England, Scotland and Wales. This includes ducks, geese, swans, pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkeys and guinea fowl.

The ban comes as APHA continues to receive reports of avian influenza across the countries.

In the past week, a number of new cases have been reported from East Riding of Yorkshire, Merseyside and Cornwall. A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone has been put in place around each premises.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was introduced across Great Britain on 25 January. Regional AIPZs with mandatory biosecurity measures are also in force in North Yorkshire, York, Shropshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, The City of Kingston upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

The ban on the gathering of poultry currently only affects England, Scotland and Wales.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has received preliminary positive results for a nature reserve outside Magherafelt in Northern Ireland. A 3km Captive Bird Temporary Control Zone has been put in place.

The nature reserve has since been closed to the public. The chief veterinary officer has placed a number of restrictions on the site including the humane culling of remaining captive birds.

Andrew Muir, DAERA minister, said: “The preliminary positive results of HPAI in captive birds is very disheartening.

“No captive bird site or poultry premises is immune from a potential incursion of this terrible disease, and it is of paramount importance that all bird keepers take appropriate action now to review and enhance their biosecurity measures to protect their birds from this highly infectious disease.”

A full selection of disease control zones can be viewed on the avian influenza interactive map. Biosecurity guidance can be found here.

Image © Shutterstock

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VMD responds to Solensia injection concerns

News Story 1
 The VMD has added anaphylaxis to the SPC of Solensia 7 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cats.

It says that this is a rare side effect, with such adverse events affecting fewer than three animals for every 1000 doses of Solensia sold.

Solensia is used to alleviate osteoarthritis pain in cats. It contains the active ingredient frunevetmab.

Anaphylaxis joins effects such as alopecia, dermatitis, pruritus on the list of adverse effects.

The VMD says that is constantly reviewing adverse event data for all medicines. 

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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.