Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 20th September 2022
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Professionals invited to parrot nutrition symposium
The speakers will present different aspects of parrots' and indoor birds' health and welfare concerning nutrition and feeding behaviour.
Keynote talks will be delivered by Chester Zoo's Lauren Samnet and Mark Vercoe.

Avian veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses are being invited to attend a symposium about parrots and their nutrition, health and management when kept in captivity.

Hosted by the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA), the event promises a series of talks on different aspects of parrots' nutrition, feeding, health and welfare, and an opportunity for group discussions. 

It follows the success of the PFMA's Rabbit Symposium in 2018, which brought together more than 60 pet food manufacturers, retailers, welfare organisations, vets and academics to discuss the latest science on rabbit welfare topics.

Similarly the parrot event will include a lineup of renowned avian experts including Alan Jones MRCVS, Tariq About-Zahr (DipECZM(Avian) MRCVS and Vicki Baldrey MRCVS. 

The speakers will present different aspects of parrots' and indoor birds' health and welfare concerning nutrition and feeding behaviour. Keynote talks will be delivered by Lauren Samet (Animal Nutritionist) and Mark Vercoe (Deputy Curator of Birds) from Chester Zoo. 

Sarah Hormozi, head of science & education at PFMA said: “We are hoping to make it a worthwhile event, where parrot experts, welfare groups and parrot food industry can share their knowledge and experience. Through discussions, we will come up with collective decisions and steps forward to improve the health and welfare of parrots that are kept in captivity, especially from a diet and nutrition perspective.”

The symposium takes place at Chester Zoo on 21 September, 9.30 am to 3 pm, with registration including the symposium attendance, refreshments, lunch and admission to Chester Zoo. 

For more information and the full programme details, visit pfma.org.uk

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.