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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 12th September 2013
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Pig heath and welfare annual report
Key points highlighted to move strategy forward

The Pig Health and Welfare Council (PHWC) has published its 2013 report into the 20:20 Pig Health and Welfare Strategy.

Key points highlighted in the report include the focus on the responsible use of antimicrobials, knowledge transfer to improve training and stockman skills, horizon scanning to identify threats from emerging diseases and the Pig Health Improvement Project.

The PHWC is a cross-industry alliance, with representative members from each stage of pig production – from "farm to fork". Part of the 2011 strategy, the PHWC aims for a coordinated and integrated approach to improving pig health and welfare.

Farming minister, David Heath, launched the annual report at an industry breakfast held at the House of Commons.

Professor Jim Scudamore, chairman of the PHWC, said: "A great deal has already been achieved but there remains many challenges to be faced in the coming years.

"It is important to develop clear targets and to describe how those targets will be measured… an important activity for the PHWC in 2013."

Click here to download the report.

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.