Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 5th May 2017
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

H5N8 confirmed in Lancashire backyard flock
Prior to the latest case in Lancashire, the most recent outbreak in poultry in England was 24 February 2017.
Protection and surveillance zones in place

An outbreak of H5N8 avian influenza has been detected in a small backyard flock of chickens near Thornton, Lancashire.

Defra says a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place around the premises to reduce the risk of disease spreading.

The flock is estimated to contain around 30 birds, of which a number have died. The remaining live birds are being humanely culled and a full investigation is underway to determine the source of infection.

The news comes just a week after Defra announced plans to lift England’s avian flu prevention zone and ban on poultry gatherings from 15 May, provided there are no further cases in poultry or wild birds.

Prior to the latest case in Lancashire, the most recent outbreak in poultry in England was 24 February 2017, while the last wild bird case was confirmed on 10 March 2017.

Public Health England maintains that the risk to public health is very low, and the Food Standards Agency says avian influenza does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers. 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.

 

Click here for more...
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.