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H5N1 outbreak: Wild birds ‘most likely source’
Chickens
The Scottish Government say that the likelihood of the disease spreading to other parts of the UK is very low,

Poultry producers urged to remain vigilant

Indirect contact with wild birds is thought to be the most likely cause of an outbreak of avian influenza reported at a farm in Scotland earlier this year.

Laboratory tests confirmed a very mild form of H5N1 avian influenza at a premises near Dunfermline in January.

Over 40,000 birds were culled and a one kilometre restriction was put in place around the poultry farm for 21 days after preliminary cleansing and disinfection.

Now an epidemiology report published by the Animal and Plant
Health Agency has concluded that the most likely source of the outbreak was indirect contact with wild birds.

Speaking to BBC News, Sheila Voas, Scotland's chief veterinary officer, said: "Investigations have concluded that indirect contact with wild birds is the most likely source of the case of very mild avian influenza near Dunfermline.

"Tests also found it was a different strain of H5N1 to those previously seen on the continent.

"We know that infections such as this constantly circulate in wild bird populations at a very low level and therefore remain a constant, low-level threat to poultry in Scotland.

"That is why I am writing to all registered poultry keepers in Scotland with advice about how to maintain good biosecurity on their farm."

The Scottish Government say that the likelihood of the disease spreading to other parts of the UK is very low, but poultry producers are advised to remain vigilant.

There have been no other cases of H5N1 identified to date in domestic poultry in the UK despite raised awareness following confirmation of disease and the recent H7N7 outbreak.

 

 

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.