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

Chief vet ends Avian Influenza Protection Zone
Bird keepers are being encouraged to continue to consider the biosecurity of their flocks.
Biosecurity requirements lifted as risk to poultry downgraded.

The UK’s chief veterinary officer has ended the Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ) for poultry and captive birds in Great Britain, lifting the legal requirement for all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures.

The move, which came into effect from
midday on 4 July, was made after the risk that avian influenza poses to all poultry was downgraded to ‘low’.

However, bird keepers are still urged to think about the biosecurity of their birds and take appropriate measures to limit the spread of the virus.

Localised outbreaks of avian influenza on poultry farms are still being reported, most recently near Bootle in Cumbria and at premises in West Sussex. The virus is also continuing to have a major impact on some species of wild birds.

All poultry gatherings remain banned, including at events such as fairs, shows, and markets, owing to the risk that flocks mixing together could lead to infections spreading across the country.

If bird keepers have any concerns about the health of their birds, they are advised to consult their veterinary surgeon as soon as possible.

The rules were last changed on 17 April, when mandatory housing measures were lifted and kept birds were allowed outside.

Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, said: “Now we are in the summer months and the risk to poultry across Great Britain has reduced, it is the right time to lift the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone.

“This would not have been possible without the hard work of all bird keepers, who have upheld high biosecurity standards for many months. However, there are still localised areas of risk as we have seen recently, and therefore it’s vital that everyone keeps biosecurity and cleanliness at the forefront of their minds to keep their flocks safe.”

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

RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com