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National Ferret Day
Today is National Ferret Day, and the BVA is using this to remind pet owners and vets about the availability of the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation’s (BVA AWF) practical guide designed to enable owners to provide the very best of care for their pet ferrets. 

Produced in association with the Ferret Education & Research Trust (FERT), the ‘Caring for your ferret’ leaflet reflects the growing popularity of these intelligent and curious animals as household pets.
 
Carl Padgett, Chair of the BVA AWF Trustees, commented: “The ‘Caring for your ferret’ leaflet covers the basics such as housing, feeding, health care and toilet training. It also offers advice on ‘ferret-proofing’ your home and garden, advice on games – ferrets particularly love hide-and-seek – and, very importantly, breeding and neutering as well as vaccination against canine distemper should owners be tempted to take their ferret for a walk on a lead and harness.”
 
The growing popularity of ferrets was highlighted in a recent survey which showed that almost half of owners acquired their ferret in the last five years and a significant majority of ferrets were now kept as pets rather than working animals.
 
“A high level of commitment and care is needed when taking on any pet and our guide should ensure that even the novice owner has all the information necessary to ensure their ferret’s health and welfare,” Mr Padgett added.
 
National Ferret Day aims to ensure issues such as welfare, care, nutrition and ownership are all highlighted in a positive light and to educate the public to respect these animals.
 
Speaking on behalf of the Trustees of FERT Ian Kearns said: “One of FERT’s major concerns is that many ferrets are now ending up in rescue centres, because people haven’t read up on them before taking on one.  We’d urge anyone to consider a ferret as a pet - but do your homework first, make sure you understand their housing and dietary needs, and of course register with a vet. As well as vaccination, your vet can also microchip your ferret.”
 
‘Caring for your ferret’ is available to download from the BVA AWF website and veterinary practices can obtain batches of leaflets for the waiting room by emailing the BVA AWF. Members of the public can also request individual copies.

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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.