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BVNA welcomes Fiona Andrew as new president
Fiona Andrew
Fiona Andrew
Final day of congress sees emotional farewell to Kirstie Shield

Fiona Andrew has become the new president of the BVNA. The handover took place during the BVNA's Annual General Meeting on the final day of the BVNA Congress in Telford.

Fiona describes herself as 'rather unconventional',  given that her first career was not in veterinary nursing. In 2001, Fiona decided to follow her heart and left a job in insurance to enrol on an animal care course. She then went on to study veterinary nursing in Edinburgh and was soon offered full time training at a local practice.

In her first speech as president, Fiona said: "What this [presidency] gives me is a fantastic opportunity to observe the different type of practices - their set up their priorities, their marketing.

"What I find is that really successful client focus and clean practices always have a fantastic, dedicated team of veterinary nurses who believe passionately in caring for their patients and providing the best possible information and advice for their clients."

During her time in presidency, Fiona will continue to work towards the protection of the title of the veterinary nurse and will be raising awareness of the issue of stress and mental illness in the profession.  She also hopes to better represent the student body, and aims to introduce two new seats on the BVNA council for student members.

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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.