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GPAW 2023 theme announced as ‘Rescue & Rehome’
The theme follows data showing a surge in guinea pig abandonment.

The week will focus on guinea pigs in rescue centres.

Guinea Pig Awareness Week (GPAW) 2023 has been confirmed for 25 – 29 September, with the theme announced as ‘Rescue & Rehome’.

The week-long event will be highlighting the number of guinea pigs that are in rescue centres in need of rehoming, as well as sharing information on guinea pig care.

The theme follows data showing a surge in guinea pig abandonment, with RSPCA reporting that they had already received 235 guinea pigs by mid-August this year, compared to 253 guinea pigs taken during the whole of 2022.

The campaign is led by Burgess Pet Care and endorsed by the British Veterinary Association and British Small Animal Veterinary Association.

They are encouraging veterinary surgeons and nurses to get involved by accessing free online resources that will help them organise and promote their own digital GPAW events.

They will be sharing content across GPAW digital channels, including blogs and videos about welfare needs, enrichment ideas and a dedicated rescue page.

Burgess Pet Care are hoping that this week of events will raise awareness for guinea pigs, and promote better care of the animal.

Dr Suzanne Moyes, deputy managing director and in-house veterinary surgeon at Burgess Pet Care, said: “We are so thrilled that GPAW is returning for a third year. We’ve filled our digital GPAW vet packs will lots of ideas and advice on how practices can host their own digital events and engage with guinea pig owners in their region.

“GPAW is a great opportunity for vets to raise the profile of their practices, showcase their guinea pig expertise and actively engage with their clients, communities and fellow practitioners online.”

“As vets’ practices are often the first port of call for owners seeking help and advice, it would be fantastic to see as many as possible getting involved and downloading GPAW packs.

“The more we can all help owners understand and learn about guinea pigs, the happier and healthier the nation’s guinea pigs will be!”

Any veterinary professionals who wish to get involved can sign up for notifications of when the GPAW digital packs are available here.

Image (C) Burgess Pet Care

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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.