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Superstar chickens prepare for the red carpet
Chicken
The chickens are owned by traditional farmer Kenny Gracey who runs Forthill Farm in Tandragee.

Boogaloo and Graham nominated for live action short Oscar

Two chickens, who star in the oscar-nominated film Boogaloo and Graham, are preparing to strut their stuff down the Hollywood red carpet.

Filmed entirely in Northern Ireland, Boogaloo and Graham is set in 1970s Belfast and follows two young boys who discover the facts of life, aided by their pet chickens.  The film has received an Oscar nomination in the live action short category.

The chickens are owned by traditional farmer Kenny Gracey who runs Forthill Farm in Tandragee. Known at the 'Doctor Doolittle' of Northern Ireland's film world, Kenny owns a whole host of movie star animals.

Speaking to BBC News, Kenny said: "I have goats, donkeys, deer, chicken, sheep, cattle and white pigeons.

"Goats, Suzy, Kate and Abbey were regulars on the last series of Game of Thrones and Logan-Bishop, the Longhorn Bull, played sidekick to Natalie Portman in Your Highness."

He added: "I have the old types of animals because of my interest in rare breeds.

"They are very apt for older period films where an animal like a Charolais would look out of place. But a Longhorn would be right. So the animals have come into their own. And now, for some people, I'm the first port of call. If I haven't got it, I'll get it."

Mr Gracey told the BBC that he is more than happy to accompany the chickens to Hollywood for the Oscars, if he's needed.

To watch the Boogaloo and Graham trailer visit http://vimeo.com/116878614

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue cases lead to restricted zone extension

Following the detection of new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), the restricted zone has been extended to include additional parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire, as well as Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and part of Dorset.

The zone now covers 28 counties and unitary authorities in England. As of 16 December, 185 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in England and Wales during the current vector period.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. Suspected cases in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the area where movement restrictions apply can be found here.