Avian influenza: handling of possible cases in veterinary practices

A veterinary practice presented with an animal suspected of having avian influenza should immediately inform the Divisional Veterinary Manager in Great Britain or in Northern Ireland the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

It is important that any bird with avian influenza is not brought into a veterinary practice where other birds could be infected.

On the other hand, veterinary surgeons need to bear in mind the provisions in the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct that they should "not unreasonably refuse to provide first aid and pain relief for any animal of a species treated by the practice during normal working hours" and "not unreasonably refuse to provide first aid and pain relief for all other species until such time as a more appropriate emergency veterinary service accepts responsibility for the animal". 

Practices will in any case wish to reinforce official surveillance by looking out for possible cases.

If avian influenza has been confirmed in the area practices should advise clients to telephone the surgery before bringing in a domestic bird with clinical signs which could indicate avian influenza. 

Depending on the facts reported, the veterinary surgeon might decide to make a house call or notify the Divisional Manager immediately.

Veterinary surgeons should not refuse to provide first aid and pain relief (which could take the form of euthanasia) for sick or injured wild birds presented to them by members of the public.

It would be reasonable, however, for practices to advise members of the public to telephone for advice rather than bringing wild birds into the surgery without warning.

Queries about dead wild birds may be referred to the DEFRA helpline on 08459 335577.

In displaying notices on practice premises, care should be taken not to create unnecessary alarm by suggesting that avian influenza is the most likely diagnosis for any sick bird or domestic animal displaying clinical signs.