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New laminitis projects planned for 2015
horse
Laminitis is estimated to affect around 15 per cent of UK horses and ponies.
Studies will explore the impact of diet and predisposition

Two new PhD projects will explore predisposition to pasture-associated laminitis and the impact of diet on the condition.

Obesity is a growing problem, with some studies suggesting as many as 50 per cent of UK leisure horses and ponies are obese. Meanwhile, laminitis is thought to affect around 15 per cent.

Fat accumulation in horses has been increased by improved nutrition and decreased workloads. As a result, there is greater demand for improved nutritional advice for senior (over the age of 20) and obese animals.

New research in 2015 will aim to assess the impact of diet on the microbiota of these animals.

Under the supervision of Professor Caroline Argo from the University of Surrey, researchers from the University of Liverpool Equine Hospital and the University of Aberystwyth will also consider how their findings could be used to improve advice on the feeding and management of horses.

A further study on pasture-associated laminitis will take place at the Royal Veterinary College. Under the supervision of Dr Nicola Menzies-Gow and Professor Jonathan Elliott, the research team will continue current work to determine which individual horses and ponies are at most risk of developing pasture-associated laminitis.

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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.