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Fresh warning to bird keepers over avian flu
The UK is currently facing its largest-ever bird flu outbreak.

Restrictions to remain in place as chief vet reiterates call for biosecurity. 

The UK's chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss has reiterated her call to all poultry keepers not to be complacent about avian flu and to continue to follow the urgent biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.

The UK is currently facing its largest-ever bird flu outbreak, with some 100 cases confirmed across the country since November 2021. To prevent the further spread of this disease, the Government introduced new housing regulations that make it a legal requirement to keep birds indoors and for them to follow strict biosecurity measures.

In a statement, updated to reflect the latest situation, Ms Middlemiss reminds poultry keepers that while the source of infection comes from migratory wild birds, ‘those failing to implement these measures risk infecting their own flocks by walking the virus into their holdings.’

The statement adds that keepers should continue to follow the strict biosecurity measures that are in place to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease.

“We have taken swift action to limit the spread of the disease, including introducing housing measures. However we are still seeing a number of bird flu cases both on commercial farms and in backyard birds right across the country,” Ms Middlemiss said.

“Many poultry keepers have excellent biosecurity standards but the number of cases we are seeing suggests that not enough is being done to keep bird flu out. Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands you must take action now to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.

She added: “The avian flu outbreak has not gone away and implementing scrupulous biosecurity remains absolutely critical. You must continue to regularly clean and disinfect your footwear and clothes before entering enclosures, stop your birds mixing with any wild birds and only allow visitors that are strictly necessary.

"It is your actions that will help keep your birds safe.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."