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First EBVM Conference raises questions
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Veterinary professionals discuss emerging issues in veterinary medicine

The role of evidence in veterinary medicine has formed the subject of the first international Evidence Based Veterinary Medicine Conference this week.

Veterinary professionals gathered in Windsor for the two day event this week, to share information and benefit from a thought provoking programme.

Conference discussions raise a number of questions on the veterinary profession's sources of information, how reliable these sources are, whether there are conflicts of interest and the role and reliability of drug company representatives as a source.

Commenting on Twitter, Alison Lambert, managing director of Onswitch, said: "Conflict of interest [is] key. Who do you let in your practice to help you who has conflict of interest?"

Speakers at the conference have included GP Martin Brunet, who described the way human medicine has been transformed by evidence-based medicine (EBM). Following his talk, Dr Brunet commented on Twitter: "Great to be there and to cross fertilise with the world of veterinary medicine. Fascinating to see we face similar dilemmas".

Commenting on the talk, Alison Lambert tweeted: "Great session from Dr Martin Brunet - 'Drug companies are not a good place to get evidence - they are not independent'".

We are grateful to Alison Lambert of Onswitch for providing information from the conference.

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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.