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AIPZ housing measures to be lifted
Bird keepers are warned that birds may take time to reacclimatise.
Mandatory housing will not be enforced from 15 May 2025.

The chief veterinary officer (CVO) has confirmed that mandatory housing measures are to be lifted in Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZs) in the UK.

From Thursday, 15 May 2025, poultry and captive birds will no longer need to be housed and can be kept outside.

Defra advises that bird keepers prepare ranges and outside areas before releasing their birds, as they may still be contaminated. This includes disinfecting hard surfaces, fencing off ponds and reintroducing wild bird deterrents.

Bird keepers are warned that birds may take time to reacclimatise, and so should be gradually released over a period of days.

The government maintains that strict biosecurity is the best way to prevent the spread of avian influenza. It says that birdkeepers in AIPZ are still legally required to follow the highest biosecurity measures, such as thorough disinfecting clothes and equipment.

The housing measures will remain in place for bird keepers in a Protection Zone or a Captive Bird Monitoring (Controlled) Zone, where there may have been recent outbreaks of avian influenza. Bird gatherings also remain banned.

Defra says that the decision was made as a result of a risk assessment, supported by scientific evidence, which found that the risk of avian influenza levels in wild birds and poultry had reduced.

Christine Middlemiss, UK CVO, said: "Following a sustained period of reduced risk from avian influenza, we are now able to lift the mandatory housing measures in effect in various counties, which is testament to the hard work and vigilance of bird keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.
 
“While the lifting of mandatory housing measures will be welcomed by bird keepers, it is imperative that keepers continue to practice stringent biosecurity and that any suspicions of disease are reported to the Animal and Plant Health agency 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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."