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Avian flu confirmed at Suffolk farm
chicken
A 3KM Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone are now in place around the infected premises.
Protection and surveillance zones now in place

The UK’s deputy chief veterinary officer has confirmed H5N8 avian influenza at a poultry farm near Redgrave in Suffolk.

The announcement comes after an initial 10km Temporary Control Zone was put in place around the farm following tests which confirmed the presence of H5N8.

Further investigations into the nature of the virus have now confirmed that it is the same highly pathogenic strain of H5N8 that has been found in wild and farmed birds in the UK since December 2016.

A 3KM Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone are now in place around the infected premises to reduce the possibility of the disease spreading.

The premises is thought to contain some 23,000 birds. Many have already died and the remaining birds will be humanely culled. A full investigation is now underway to determine the source of the infection.

Public Health England advises that the risk to public health from the virus is minimal and the Food Standards Agency is clear that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.

Full details of the controls can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#movement-controls-and-licences

An interactive map can also be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#movement-controls-and-licences

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.