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Students reach out to homeless pet owners
Students are donating the backpacks to visitors of the All4Paws veterinary clinic.

Vet school gifts backpacks containing vital supplies

Staff and students at the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies have launched an initiative to help vulnerable people and their animals this Christmas.

The team is handing out backpacks stuffed with items like basic toiletries, warm winter clothes, food and first aid supplies.

Students are donating the backpacks to visitors of the All4Paws veterinary clinic - a monthly drop-in centre where people living on the streets can access veterinary care for their animals.

Filled with donations from staff and students, the backpacks are also being gifted at Social Bite Supper events across the city.

Final year student Jamie-Leigh Thomson, who came up with the idea, has contributed to similar projects in recent years.

“I just wanted to try something that will help pet owners in need. The enthusiasm of the school and generosity has completely astonished me,” she said.

So far the team has given away more than 60 backpacks containing items for both men and women.

“This is a tremendous student-led project to support those less fortunate and their pets,” added Professor Susan Rhind, director of veterinary teaching at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

“We are proud of their inspiring kindness and pro-activity. This is an excellent example of the entire Vet School community coming together to think of others during the festive period.”

Image (C) University of Edinburgh

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.