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: 29th May 2018
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

Avian influenza prevention zones lifted
There have been no cases of H5N6 avian influenza in poultry in the UK this year.
Decision follows an assessment by the APHA

Avian Influenza Prevention Zones in England and Wales have been lifted after an assessment found the risk level in wild birds has reduced to low.

The move means that poultry keepers in England and Wales are no longer required to follow strict biosecurity requirements. Keepers of birds, however, are still encouraged to follow biosecurity advice for good practice, no matter the size of their flock.

Earlier this month, an updated veterinary risk assessment carried out by the Animal and Health Plant Agency (APHA) suggested there is now a decrease in the likelihood of finding a case of H5N6 in England and Wales.

There has only been only one finding of the disease in a wild bird in Wales this year, and the last recorded case in the UK was on the 18 April in Suffolk. There have been no cases of H5N6 avian influenza in poultry in the UK this year.

Welsh cabinet secretary Lesley Griffiths said: “In January, I took action and declared the whole of Wales an Avian Influenza prevention Zone in response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N6 finding in England. This was a precautionary measure to minimise the risk of infection to poultry here in Wales.

“We have since been monitoring the situation closely and the latest risk assessment by APHA has concluded that the risk has reduced from High to Low for wild birds and the risk to poultry is also low.”

Chief veterinary officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop added: “I cannot stress enough the need for all keepers or poultry and other captive birds to remain vigilant for signs of the disease and to continue to practice the very highest levels of biosecurity.

“If anyone suspects disease they should contact the APHA immediately. Also, we can  all play a part in supporting the ongoing surveillance by reporting any findings of dead wild birds to the GB helpline.”

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

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.