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'Micro' pigs - Farm animals or pets?
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Defra produces guide for 'Micro' pig owners to remind people that the pigs are still classed as farm animals.

Many owners and potential owners consider these animals as pets similar to dogs and cats but actually they are farmed animals in the eyes of the law and subject to the same rules and regulations as pigs kept in commercial livestock herds.

Defra's guide discusses certain regulations that are in place to deal with contagious diseases which pigs are highly susceptible to. If anyone is thinking about keeping a 'micro' pig as a pet, this leaflet asks you to consider whether your home environment will allow you to properly cater for its needs and welfare.

For more information check out the leaflet 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.