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Panda experts congregate at Edinburgh Zoo
Tian Tian, Edinburgh Zoo

Symposium held to develop Giant Panda Research Project

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has announced that they are gathering some of the world’s experts together in an effort to develop a five-year Giant Panda Research Project.

The Giant Panda Research Symposium, which will be held at Edinburgh Zoo from September 10–12, will focus on developing a research plan.

It is hoped that the plan will have an impact upon how giant pandas are cared for in zoos and in Chinese reserves.

The plan will focus on five key areas: field ecology, genetic management, artificial breeding and infant panda care, veterinary management and research and cognitive evolution and behavioural research.

Many experts will attend the event including those from RZSS, the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA), China Conservation and Research for Giant Pandas (CCRCGP), the Chinese Academy of Science and Peking University.

There will also be key individuals from panda zoos, including experts from Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Memphis Zoo and the San Diego Institute for Conservation Research.

Chris West, CEO of the RZSS, said: “This really is ground-breaking research at which RZSS is at the heart. The symposium underlines the society’s aim to continue to be a world leader in conservation, science and education.”

 

Image courtesy of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland

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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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News Shorts
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.