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H5N8 outbreak at Lincolnshire turkey farm
turkeys
Defra says the flock is estimated to contain around 19,500 birds. (stock photo)
CVO confirms avian flu in flock of 19,500 birds
 
The UK’s chief veterinary officer has confirmed H5N8 avian influenza at a turkey farm near Boston, Lincolnshire.

Defra says the flock is estimated to contain around 19,500 birds. A number have died and the remainder will be humanely culled.

A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone has been put in place around the premises and a full investigation is being carried out to determine the source of infection.

H5N8 cases have previously been detected in Wyre, Lancashire on 24 January, East Lindsey, Lancashire, on 16 January; Settle, North Yorkshire on 6 January; Carmarthenshire, Wales, on 4 January and Lincolnshire on 16 December. A number of cases have also been detected in wild birds.

The advice from Public Health England remains that the risk to public health is very low and the Food Standards Agency says avian influenza does not pose a food safety risk to consumers.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.