In response to the continued, heightened risk of H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza, the existing Avian Influenza Prevention Zones will remain in force until 28 February.
Poultry and captive bird keepers must continue to house their birds, where practicable, maintain their biosecurity and keep a close watch on the health of their birds.
In light of recent, confirmed cases of H5N8 in Great Britain, the extension of this order is a precautionary measure to help prevent infection from wild birds. The ban on poultry gatherings is still in place and will be reviewed according to the level of risk.
Further details, including the measures applying in the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, can be found at gov.uk, gov.scot and gov.wales
Keepers of poultry and other captive birds are required to keep their birds indoors, or take appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds such as:
• Preventing direct and indirect contact between poultry and wild birds.
• Ensuring that food and water cannot be accessed by wild birds or rodents.
• Cleaning and disinfection of equipment, vehicles and footwear as well as reducing movement from areas where poultry are kept.
We are asking clients to remain vigilant in monitoring their animals. The main clinical signs in birds are:
• Swollen head
• Blue discolouration of neck and throat
• Loss of appetite
• Respiratory distress such as gaping beak, coughing, sneezing, gurgling, rattling
• Diarrhoea
• Fewer eggs laid
H5N8 confirmed in England and Scotland peregrine falcon
Wild birds test positive for avian influenza strain
Avian influenza strain H5N8 has been confirmed in a wild peregrine falcon in Dumfries and Galloway, and dead wild pigeons in Somerset and Leicestershire
Excellent service from phonecall to practice. 10/10. I adopted a stray from them and they have been fantastic throughout the whole process.
The ladies on reception are so helpful and aways smiling, and the nurses have been wonderful. Cannot thank you all enough for the care Birdie has received from you all.
Emma
New guidance on prescription only medication
From 1st September the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS, regulatory body for the veterinary profession in the UK) is introducing new guidance on prescribing prescription-only medicines. The full guidance can be found on:...
WE’RE RECRUITING!
We are looking for full-time and part-time RVN’s to join our friendly team
*Coronavirus Update*
At WVG we are very grateful for the support of all of our loyal clients and their pets