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Warmer weather prompts blowfly warning
Increased risk of blowfly in sheep

As the weather warms up, a warning has been issued to be prepared to deal with an increased threat of blowfly strike.

Sheep farmers in particular have been warned that the warmer weather poses an increased risk of blowfly to ewes and lambs, especially if they are dirty.

Blowfly can have a severe impact on the welfare of the affected animal, and can emerge very quickly with eggs hatching within twelve hours. Vets are advised to warn clients to promote early preventative action, as reports of outbreaks in Cornwall, Devon and Worcestershire come in.

Now the weather is warming up, conditions have been described as "optimum" for a strike. 

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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.