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TB testing contracts extension welcomed by BVA
Following a constructive dialogue, XL Farmcare and Cornwall have announced an extension to the contract signatures from 14 to 21 days.
Increased from 14 to 21 days 

A decision to extend the deadline for TB testing contracts in Devon and Cornwall has been welcomed by the BVA.

BVA members raised concerns last week that the 14-day deadline for signing the new TB testing contracts did not give veterinary business enough time to consider the contract changes.

Working with the BCVA, the BVA raised these concerns with XL Farmcare Devon and Cornwall and other key stakeholders, including the APHA.

Following a constructive dialogue, XL Farmcare and Cornwall have announced an extension to the contract signatures from 14 to 21 days.

Sean Wensley, president of the BVA, said: “We are pleased that XL Farmcare Devon and Cornwall has listened to the concerns that have been raised and has responded positively. We hope this deadline extension will give veterinary practices the time they need to consider the financial and practical implications of the new contracts for their businesses.

“Now that the new system of Delivery Partners is in place it is essential that everyone works together to ensure the effective delivery of TB testing and to maintain the vital relationship between farmers and their local vets.  BVA will continue to support and represent the interests of all our members, and we recognise that making the new arrangements work poses challenges for all parties involved. 

“We have also raised our members’ concerns with APHA, and we are in the process of contacting the other Delivery Partners in England to discuss how we can work together to smooth the roll-out of new contracts across the country.”

Contracts in the South East were issued on Friday and BVA expects new contracts to be issued imminently.

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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.