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Third ASF outbreak confirmed in China
The outbreaks in China are causing alarm, partly because they are so far apart geographically.
Over 500 pigs culled in latest incident 

Veterinary officials in China have confirmed a third outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) this month.

The latest incident - which occurred in Baofu Village, Jiangsu - involved 615 pigs, 88 of which died and the remainder of which were killed and disposed of. The source of the outbreak is not yet known.

On 3 August, China reported its first case of ASF to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Over 8,700 pigs in Liaoning were culled and 47 died. Investigations found the pigs came from two privately owned farms belonging to one owner.

A second outbreak was confirmed in the Economic Development Zone in Zhengzhou on 16 August. The infected pigs had been legally transported from a live swine market in Jiamusi city.

The UK’s National Pig Association said the outbreaks in China are causing alarm, partly because they are so far apart geographically. By road, site of the latest outbreak is 800 miles south of Shenyang, Liaoning, where China’s first case was detected.

APHA says the risk of ASF entering the UK is considered to be ‘low’. It is reminding pig keepers not to feed catering waste of any description, in keeping with the law, and to practice good biosecurity.

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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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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.