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Hen harriers '10 times more likely to die or disappear on grouse moors'
“These analyses... confirm what has long been suspected – that illegal persecution is having a major impact on the conservation status of this bird.”
Study sheds light on fate of tagged birds 

Seven in 10 hen harriers that were satellite tagged in England are thought to have been illegally killed, a long-term study has found.

The research, published in Nature Communications, also revealed that hen harriers are 10 times more likely to die or disappear in areas predominantly covered by grouse moor.

Scientists from Natural England studied 58 tagged hen harriers over a 10-year period. Analysis was led by the University of Cape Town and Aberdeen University, with land use data from RSPB.

Natural England director Rob Cooke said the findings make for “sobering reading”.

Stephen Murphy, who led the data collection for the study, added: “These analyses are a significant step in understanding the fate of tagged hen harriers, and confirm what has long been suspected – that illegal persecution is having a major impact on the conservation status of this bird.”

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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.