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Wild boar cull planned in Belgium
A cull of wild boar is being planned by Belgian authorities to prevent further spread of African Swine Fever.
Move to prevent further spread of African Swine Fever

A cull of wild boar is being planned by Belgian authorities to prevent further spread of African Swine Fever (ASF).

According to the National Pig Association (NPA), some 114 dead wild boars have been confirmed with ASF to date - all of which were found in the restriction zone in the
Luxembourg region of the country. When this figure stabilises, the NPA adds, the authorities intend to shoot the remaining wild boars.

Around 3,000 domestic and commercial pigs have already been culled in the Luxembourg restriction zone in a bid to keep the virus out of commercial pigs. Authorities will continue to test wild boars for ASF by sending samples off to Belgium’s central laboratory, Sciensano, for diagnosis.  

Despite pig prices taking a tumble as a result of export bans by non-EU countries, they are now reported to be stable. Farmers in the restriction zone whose pigs have been culled are set to receive compensation. 

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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.