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Dogs brought in to detect snails

New method for Florida eradication programme

Labradors in Florida have been trained to detect giant African land snails (GALS) as part of an eradication programme in the state.

First detected in Florida in autumn 2011, the non-native snails are known to consume at least 500 different types of plants, as well as causing structural damage to buildings by consuming plaster and stucco for calcium.

Furthermore, GALS and other types of snails and slugs can carry a parasite that can cause a form of meningitis in both humans and animals.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has spent two years collecting and eliminating GALS, which it describes as an "invasive and destructive pest".

This has involved the application of bait, carrying out surveys, experimenting with trap designs, educational activities and enhanced inspections by lawn maintenance companies.

Most recently, dog detector teams have been trained to sniff out the snails.

"We are confident that we will win this fight," said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam. "With the help of canine detector teams, we're able to detect snails in areas that were previously difficult to access."

In the time since the first GALS were found in the Miami-Dade area, more than 128,000 have been removed. However, federal guidelines state that eradication can only be declared two years after the last snail is collected.

Originally from east Africa, GALS can grow to 20 centimetres (eight inches) in length and can live for up to nine years. An adult typically produces around 1,200 eggs a year.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

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Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.