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BVA Welcomes EU Decision on Laboratory Animals
Professor Bill Reilly, President of the BVA
The BVA has welcomed the announcement of a new EU Directive aimed at reducing the number of animals used in laboratory experiments, tightening controls over such procedures and harmonising improved standards of care throughout Europe.

President of the BVA, Professor Bill Reilly said: “The UK already has a firm commitment to the principle of the Three Rs – replace refine, reduce – and the BVA is pleased that MEPs have voted to firmly anchor this principle in the new legislation so that the practice can be implemented across the EU. The BVA is also pleased that the new Directive requires all establishments within the EU to have a designated veterinarian with expertise in laboratory animal medicine, charged with advisory duties in relation to the well-being and treatment of the animals.
 
“The responsible use of animals in research has improved both human and animal welfare, but we believe animals should only be used where no non-animal alternative is available and the work is justified through independent ethical scrutiny.
 
“The BVA continues to support the principle of the Three Rs and is committed to advocating for a reduction in animal usage in the future.”
 

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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

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.