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Brazil reports first ever cases of avian flu
The H5N1 subtype of the influenza virus was found in two marine birds on the southeastern coast of Brazil.
The cases were found in two wild marine birds.

Brazil’s first ever cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) have been confirmed by Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry on 15 May. The H5N1 subtype of the influenza virus was found in two marine birds on the coast of Brazil's southeastern state of Espirito Santo.

The government confirmed that epidemiological surveillance services will be increased in the nearby area, to detect any further cases of avian flu in wild and commercial animals.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) does not recommend a ban on imports of Brazilian poultry products because the cases were found in wild animals.

Brazil is one of the world’s largest exporters of chicken, trading with countries such as China, Japan, South Africa and Saudi Arabia. Its chicken exports rose by 27 per cent in 2022 while other countries experienced outbreaks of avian flu.

Miguel Gularte, CEO of a large chicken exporting company in Brazil told a press conference that he was not surprised by the case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, adding the company was prepared for any scenario. He noted the company relies on Brazil’s "robust" animal health services to prevent and contain any potential threats to industrial poultry farms.

Brazil’s neighbouring country Argentina, recorded its first case of avian flu in its poultry industry in late February. It suspended exports until late March, when the area was confirmed as being free of avian flu. 

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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."