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Government issues guidance on pet travel after Brexit
Pets must be effectively vaccinated against rabies before they travel.
Pet owners urged to consult with their vet in good time

The Government has issued advice to pet owners planning to travel to Europe after Brexit.

The advice states that in the event of a no-deal Brexit, pet owners may need to take additional steps before travelling. This includes a rabies vaccination followed by a blood test a minimum of 30 days later.

Pet owners planning to travel after 29 March 2019, should contact their vet at least four months ahead of travelling to get the latest advice, the advice states. If they intend to travel on 30 March 2019, for example, then they must discuss what is required with their vet before the end of November 2018.

Under the requirements, pets must be effectively vaccinated against rabies before they travel. This includes having an up-to-date rabies vaccination and a blood test to show sufficient levels of rabies antibody.

This blood test must take place at least 30 days after any initial rabies vaccination and a minimum of three months before the travel date. UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss urged pet owners to talk to their vet about health requirements in good time.

“Today we are giving practical and straightforward advice for people who wish to travel to Europe with their pets after we leave the EU in the unlikely event of a no-deal situation,” she said.

“I urge all pet owners who wish to travel immediately after 29 March 2019 to consult with their vet as soon as they can. This is about planning ahead to ensure their pet has the correct health protection documented and in place for all possible Exit scenarios.

“In recent weeks we have been in contact with vets to highlight this issue. They are expecting pet owners to consult with them and plan ahead.”

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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

Click here for more...
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.