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Princess Royal visits Moredun
The Princess Royal meeting guests
Visit highlights contribution of livestock to food production, biodiversity and environment

The Princess Royal was joined by over 100 guests on 21 October at Pentlands Science Park to hear about Moredun’s involvement in supporting the livestock industry and working in collaboration with partner organisations to help promote the wider benefits of livestock in sustainable food production, promoting biodiversity and minimising impact on the environment.

Set up by farmers for farmers, the Moredun Foundation is one of the largest livestock charities in the UK and governs the work of the world renowned Moredun Research Institute. The mission of the organisation is to improve the health and welfare of livestock through research and education.

The speakers at the event included Phil Stocker, chief executive of the National Sheep Association who was passionate in his support for sheep farming as something of which we we should all be proud; Dr Philip Skuce from Moredun discussed new research showing the importance of high health and welfare in livestock production systems to reduce impact on the environment and also the impact of climate change on disease risk; and Sarah Millar, head of industry development at Quality Meat, Scotland, discussed the nutritional and health benefits from meat and dairy products and the advantages of sustainable grassland and hill farming systems.

During the visit, The Princess Royal met guests – including a group of postgraduate students and early career scientists, along with those representing the farming industry, veterinary surveillance and the Equine Grass Sickness Fund. Before leaving, Her Royal Highness also participated in a tour of Moredun’s laboratories to speak first hand to the scientists about the latest research advances.
 
The guests also enjoyed taking part in a lively discussion forum on the subject of steering public opinion towards supporting UK livestock farming.

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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.