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'Innovative new approaches' to TB urged
Govt hopes to cut expenditure

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has urged the farming sector to develop 'innovative new approaches' to the control of bovine tuberculosis in light of the need to make financial savings in the current economic climate.

DEFRA is hoping to cut its animal health budget to £199million by 2014/15 as compared to expenditure of £244million in 2011/12. As TB-related spending accounts for an annual expenditure of £100million at present, savings in this area would greatly assist in achieving this reduction.

Commenting, Animal Health and Welfare Board for England (AHWBE) Chairman Michael Seals said “We are open to new ways of working. We are looking for industry to come forward with their ideas. For example, do we have to have a hugely bureaucratic system of controls and decision-making processes, when some aspects could easily be handled by the farmer. It is far easier for a farmer to organise the removal of animals from his farm than some central organisation.”

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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.