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Companion animals genetic conditions site launched
UFAW launches new resource website

A new website on genetic conditions has been launched by the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) to improve the welfare of companion animals. The website will provide vets and pet owners with information on hereditary problems in companion animals and explanations about precisely how these ailments impact the quality of the animal's daily lives.

The site covers more than 70 conditions in approximately 90 breeds of companion animals. This includes 54 conditions in 47 dog breeds. The website was designed with the objective of helping people considering buying a new pet in mind. The prospective owner can research which strain, species or breed has vulnerabilities to particular conditions and can therefore ask the appropriate questions before sale to prevent perpetuation of the conditions.

Commenting, UFAW's Chief Executive and Scientific Director James Kirkwood said "When, tens or hundreds of years ago people bred for the particular shapes, sizes and appearances that appealed to them, they had no idea that they were sometimes selecting for serious diseases at the same time. With advances in knowledge of animal diseases the serious nature of many of these problems has come to light."

The new site can be accessed 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.