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Funding Awarded to Analyse Insect- and Tick-Borne Diseases
The Institute for Animal Health (IAH), an institute of the BBSRC, in partnership with the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), has been awarded £90,000 by Defra to analyse the threat posed to UK livestock and horses from insect- and tick-borne viruses, and the UK's capability to respond to these threats.

These viruses are highly responsive to environmental change, as illustrated by the recent emergence of bluetongue virus in Europe and West Nile virus in the US. Whilst some of these viruses cause only mild disease or would be unlikely to spread in the UK, others could result in the deaths of tens of thousands of animals - such as African horse sickness virus, which kills up to 90% of the horses it infects.

The scientists will identify the greatest threats to the UK and produce an up-to-date inventory of national facilities and expertise. They will also highlight areas where knowledge is lacking, and suggest priorities for future research. This is in line with Defra's "Evidence Investment Strategy" of using scientific evidence to identify emerging issues and to support decision-making.

The six-month project, which has just begun, is led by Dr Anthony Wilson (IAH) and Professor Tony Fooks (VLA). More information can be found here. 

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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.