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Rabbit specialist crowned ‘vet of the year’ at CEVA awards
RWAF estimates that 70,000 rabbits have received RVHD2 vaccination thanks to Richard.
Dr Richard Saunders praised for getting RVHD2 vaccination into the UK

Rabbit specialist advisor Dr Richard Saunders was crowned ‘Vet of the Year’ at the 2018 Ceva Animal Welfare Awards.

Richard, who helps guide the welfare and strategy of the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF), won the prestigious ’Chris Laurence Vet of the Year’ award for his dedication to improving rabbit welfare. Judges praised Richard for his work in getting a new vaccine into the UK to protect rabbits against RVHD2.

Rae Todd, CEO of the RWAF, commented: “We're incredibly proud of Richard for all of his hard work and delighted that he's received recognition for his work. We all owe Richard a huge debt of gratitude for his commitment to the industry and for protecting all pet rabbits. So far, we estimate in the region of 70,000 rabbits have been vaccinated thanks to Richard.”

Richard graduated from the University of Liverpool in 1994 before obtaining his Certificate in Zoological Medicine in 2001 and his Diploma in Zoological Medicine in 2010. He is a registered RCVS specialist in zoo and wildlife medicine - one of only 30 people in the world.

As a veterinary advisor for the RWAF, Richard dedicates his work to raising awareness and improving standards of rabbit welfare in the UK.  Broadcaster Matt Baker who presented Dr Saunders with his award said:

“I am truly humbled by the hard work and dedication of individuals and organisations who are passionate about improving animal welfare and would like to congratulate both the finalists and the award winners who are making a real difference to the lives of animals both in the UK and abroad.”

Cuneyt Seckin, managing director of Ceva Animal Health, added: “The Ceva Animal Welfare Awards go from strength to strength, both in terms of the number and quality of entries that we receive during the nomination process and the dedication, commitment and enthusiasm of the finalists and winners who often go above and beyond the call of duty in the name of animal welfare.”

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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.