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Case definition published for avian flu in cattle
Image: a chicken wandering by cattle
The UK government has said that it is monitoring the situation in the USA.
APHA adds definition following cases in US herds.

The UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its case definition and diagnostic testing criteria for highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in mammals, following the spread of the virus among dairy cattle in the USA.

A new suspect case definition has been added for cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. The criteria include the animal being on a farm, or near a location, where avian flu has been detected, and, for dairy animals, a sudden unexplained drop in herd level milk production.

Since March 2024, several cases of avian flu have been detected in cattle herds in the USA. So far, it has been confirmed in nine states. Cattle being transported between states are now being tested for the virus.

In April, the US Department of Agriculture stated that evidence suggested that cattle-to-cattle transmission was taking place.

Although there is currently no evidence of the virus affecting cattle in the UK, the UK government has said that it is taking the outbreak in the USA very seriously. The new case definition will help APHA to monitor, triage and, when necessary, test any report cases that arise.

A government spokesperson said: “We are monitoring reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) identified in dairy cattle in the USA and are working closely with international counterparts to better understand the virus strain associated with these cases.

“This does not change the risk level for animals in the UK, which is currently ‘low’ and we have no reason to suspect the virus is circulating in our cattle and nor is this virus strain circulating in Europe.”

Image © Shutterstock

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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...
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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."