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Avian flu confirmed at tenth Lincolnshire premises
The UK's chief vet has urged poultry keepers to take biosecurity steps to protect their flocks.
All birds will be humanely culled and surveillance zones are in place.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed at a tenth premises in Lincolnshire, the APHA has confirmed.

All birds at the affected premises, based near Alford, East Lindsey, will be humanely culled and a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been placed around the premises.

To date, the Government has confirmed 62 cases of avian influenza in England this season. There have also been five confirmed cases in Scotland and three cases in Wales.

The UK’s chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss previously urged poultry keepers to undertake urgent biosecurity measures to keep their birds safe and prevent the further spread of the disease.

She said:“We have taken swift action to limit the spread of the disease including introducing housing measures. However, we are seeing a growing number of bird flu cases both on commercial farms and in backyard birds right across the country.
 
 “Implementing scrupulous biosecurity has never been more critical. You must regularly clean and disinfect your footwear and clothes before entering enclosures, stop your birds mixing with any wild birds and only allow visitors that are strictly necessary.”

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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.