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Safety concerns over fenbendazole in pigeons
Fenbendazole has a low margin of safety for pigeons and overdose is likely have severe consequences.
Drug can no longer be used in pigeons under Schedule 6  

The anthelmintic drug fenbendazole can no longer be used in pigeons under Schedule 6 of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations, the VMD has announced.

Peer-reviewed research has indicated that fenbendazole has a low margin of safety for pigeons and overdose is likely have severe consequences. These include low white blood cell count, damage to the rapidly dividing cells of the crop and small intestinal epithelium and, ultimately, death.

As a result the VMD has concluded that fenbendazole must only be used in pigeons under the direction of a veterinary surgeon and should no longer be exempt from the provisions of Schedule 6.

From 15 July 2019, fenbendazole products that list pigeons as the only target species must cease to be manufactured. Products that target a number of species must no longer list pigeons as a target species in the product literature.

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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.