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H5N8 found in backyard flock in Yorkshire
chicken
“We have taken swift action to limit the risk of the disease spreading." (stock photo)

Even small flocks must be kept apart from wild birds, chief vet says
 
Avian influenza H5N8 has been confirmed in a small backyard flock near Settle in North Yorkshire, Defra has confirmed.

A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place around the premises and all remaining live birds are being humanely culled. The infected flock contained 17 chickens and ducks, several of which died from the disease.

Chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens said: “We have taken swift action to limit the risk of the disease spreading. Restrictions are now in place around the affected premises and a full investigation is underway to determine the source of the infection.

“This finding in a backyard flock shows how essential it is for all poultry owners, even those who just keep a few birds as pets, to do everything they can to keep them separate from wild birds and minimise the risk of them catching avian flu via the environment.

“This means keeping birds in a suitable building where possible, and taking precautions such as putting up netting, keeping food and water inside and disinfecting footwear and equipment after contact with birds.”

The same strain of avian influenza was detected in a backyard flock in Carmarthenshire, Wales, last week and on a turkey farm in Lincolnshire in December. It has also been confirmed in wild birds in England, Scotland and Wales.

A prevention zone requiring birds to be housed indoors or separated from wild birds has been extended until 28 February. There is also a temporary ban on bird gatherings.

Practical advice has been issued for people with backyard poultry to help them comply with the requirements: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#backyard-flocks

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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. 

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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.