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Chief vet announces new measures to prevent H5N8
birds
"Even when birds are housed a risk of infection remains so this must be coupled with good biosecurity."

Thirty-day prevention zone introduced in England

The government's chief vet has introduced enhanced biosecurity requirements to protect poultry and captive birds from a strain of avian flu that is circulating in mainland Europe.

A 'prevention zone' will remain in place for 30 days in England. Keepers of poultry and other captive birds are required to keep their birds indoors or take appropriate steps to separate them from wild birds. Prevention zones have also been introduced i
n Wales and Scotland.

The move follows confirmed outbreaks of H5N8 in poultry and wild birds in several countries across Europe. No cases have yet been found in the UK; the order is a precautionary measure to prevent infection by wild birds.

Chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens said: "While no cases of H5N8 avian flu have been found in the UK, and PHE advises the public health threat is low, we are closely monitoring the situation across Europe and have scaled up surveillance in response to the heightened risk.

"As a precaution, and to allow time for poultry and captive bird keepers to put in place appropriate biosecurity measures, we have declared a 30-day Prevention Zone to reduce the risk of infection from wild birds.

"Even when birds are housed a risk of infection remains so this must be coupled with good biosecurity—for example disinfecting clothing and equipment, reducing poultry movement and minimising contact between poultry and wild birds."

The prevention zone has been welcomed by the Poultry Health and Welfare Group, which represents the poultry industry.

Chair Mark Williams commented: "The poultry industry has been liaising closely with Defra to ensure we are best prepared should the risk of bird flu heighten, and contingency plans are in place and under constant review. Most birds can be taken inside their houses within a matter of hours. Where birds like geese and game can’t be housed, measures will be put in place to ensure separation from wild birds."

Poultry keepers are urged to be vigilant for signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and to seek advice from their vet promptly if they have concerns.

Recommended biosecurity measures include:

  • cleansing and disinfecting clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry – if practical, use disposable protective clothing;
  • reducing the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry are kept to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products and using effective vermin control;
  • thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting housing at the end of a production cycle;
  • keeping fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all points where people should use it, such as farm entrances and before entering poultry housing or enclosures; and
  • minimising direct and indirect contact between poultry and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.