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VPIS launches new helpline for pet owners
Nicola Robinson said owners will not be advised on treatment, but will be told whether or not they need to see a vet and how urgently.
Triage service Animal PoisonLine introduced at BSAVA Congress
 
The Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) has announced the official launch of a new helpline for pet owners.

Animal PoisonLine is a triage service that tells owners whether or not a trip to the vets is necessary when their pet has been exposed to something potentially poisonous. It was introduced by VPIS head of service, Nicola Robinson, during a press briefing at BSAVA Congress last week, and opened officially on Monday (10 April).

VPIS first established the helpline as part of a pilot scheme back in September 2016. The line is now available 24 hours a day at a cost of £20 from 8am-8pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) and £30 outside of these hours.

Nicola Robinson said owners will not be advised on treatment, but will be told whether or not they need to see a vet and how urgently. Experience gained from the pilot suggests that in around 50 per cent of cases, owners will not need to go to their vet.

She said the VPIS had concerns about pet owners using Google to determine if a substance is toxic, and felt that a specific service was needed to provide owners with accurate advice and reassurance. Animal PoisonLine may also help vets to use their VPIS credits more appropriately if owners seek advice from the VPIS first, she added.

Vets should continue to use the normal VPIS number, 0207 3055 055, for poisoning cases and admin enquiries, while owners can be directed to the Animal PoisonLine number, 01202 509 000.

For further information visit: https://vpisglobal.com/2016/08/23/vpis-public-helpline/

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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.