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Zambian hippo cull suspended
hippo
Born Free last week urged Zambian authorities to abandon the exercise.
Officials say they are 'evaluating the matter'

A five-year hippo cull in Zambia's Luangwa Valley has been suspended, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) has revealed.

It was revealed last week that the culling exercise, which began in May, would aim to remove 2,000 hippos over five years.

Initially, the cull was reported to be a 'wildlife management tool' to prevent the spread of anthrax among wild animals. But in a statement on Tuesday (14 June), the DNPW said: 'Recently research revealed that the water levels in the Luangwa River system have been low and insufficient to support the hippo population especially in the dry season.

'DNPW has assessed the situation and estimated that 2,000 hippos need to be culled in a space of five years.'

Born Free last week urged Zambian authorities to abandon the exercise, questioning whether there is evidence to suggest hippos are overpopulated and whether culling is an effective control strategy for anthrax.

The DNPW said its suspension of the cull has been 'necessitated by events that have come with the culling activity that started in May'. It is now evaluating the situation and carrying out extensive consultations to find a way forward.

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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.