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Avian influenza identified in Staffordshire
A case of H5N8 avian influenza has been confirmed in chickens at a premises in Staffordshire.
Discovery comes ahead of the lifting of housing restrictions on Wednesday. 

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 has been confirmed in broiler chickens at a commercial premises in East Staffordshire.

A 3km Protection and 10km Surveillance Zone has been placed around the infected premises near Uttoxeter, replacing the Temporary Control Zones introduced on 27 March 2021. 

This is the fourteenth case of (HPAI) H5N8 in poultry in England and comes ahead of the lifting of compulsory housing measures for poultry and captive birds (31 March). The APHA has stated that it is currently reviewing this situation and will provide clarification 'very soon'.

Earlier this month, the APHA reduced the risk level of avian influenza in the UK from ‘high’ to ‘medium’. While the compulsory housing restrictions are set to end, the avian influenza prevention zone requiring enhanced biosecurity will remain in place. 

Under the AIPZ, bird gatherings are still prohibited and high standards of biosecurity remain essential. In a joint statement Great Britain’s three Chief Veterinary Officers said: 

“We have taken swift action to contain and eliminate this disease and all bird keepers - whether they have just a few birds or thousands - must continue to do their bit to maintain strict biosecurity measures on their premises so that we do not lose the progress that we have made over the past few months as Low risk does not mean No Risk.”

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."