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Derbyshire practice launches first Reptile Education Week
The first Reptile Education Week is taking place 9-15 August.
Campaign aims to improve understanding of reptiles' basic needs. 

The first Reptile Education Week is taking place this August to improve understanding about looking after exotic pets - and veterinary practices are being invited to get involved.

Launched by Ellie and Lucy of Bright Side Vets in Derbyshire, Reptile Education Week (9-15 August) aims to support owners and practices when caring for exotic pets - from providing the correct housing to looking after their basic needs.

As reptile owners themselves, Ellie and Lucy were inspired by the number of cases they had seen in practice that required a lot of care when the correct guidance from the outset could have saved lives. 

Lucy, a veterinary surgeon at Bright Side Vets, said: “It is heartbreaking to see reptiles in practice that are in a bad way because of a poor understanding of their needs. Often simple things can be done to support these creatures and give them a fulfilled and healthy life”.

Throughout Reptile Education Week, Bright Side Vets will be sharing information on its social media channels about maintaining the health and welfare of some of the most commonly-owned reptile species in the UK - including leopard geckos, corn snakes, Horsfield tortoises, bearded dragons and royal pythons.

Practices wishing to get involved can download a free information pack from Bright Side Vets’ website, containing care sheets, suggested posts, and other materials to share with the practice team or clients. 

Ellie, a receptionist and marketing assistant at Bright Side Vets, said: “We have had nearly 300 practices say that want to get involved in sharing information with their clients. Over the past two months, we have been creating content that we hope other vets and reptile enthusiasts might find useful in sharing.

“We have created our own identity for Reptile Education Week, so others don’t feel they need to use the Bright Side Vets branding. Fingers crossed this is the start of something people will get engaged with year on year”. 

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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.