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.
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 flu cases confirmed in Norfolk
A case of HPAI H5N8 avian influenza has been confirmed in rearing ducks at a premises in Norfolk.

Disease found in non-poultry at captive bird premises.

Two further cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPA1 H5N8) have been confirmed in England.

On 28 December, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), confirmed the disease in rearing ducks at a premises in Norfolk.

All birds on the infected site near Watton, Breckland, have been humanely culled. 'A 3.4km Protection Zone and 10.4km Surveillance Zone has been declared around the premises', the APHA said. 

On 26 December, H5N8 was confirmed at a captive bird, non-poultry, premises near Attleborough, Breckland, Norfolk.

'Further testing confirmed this to be the highly pathogenic strain,' the APHA said. 'All birds on the infected premises have been humanely culled and a 3km Protection Zone and 10km Temporary Control Surveillance Zone have been declared around the premises'.

Since 14 December, it has been a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors. 

A joint statement from the UK's three Chief Veterinary Officers read: “Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, from 14 December onwards you will be legally required to keep your birds indoors or take appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds. We have not taken this decision lightly, but it is the best way to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.”

For more information on avian influenza, including the latest guidance, visit GOV.UK

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.