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Spot the difference!
Dalmation adopts lamb with spotty coat

A lamb born in South Australia’s Barossa Valley has been adopted… not by another sheep, but by the breeder’s pet Dalmatian named Zoe! At first glance, the lamb looks much like its “mother” as it sports a black and white coat. It takes most onlookers by surprise on second glance when they realise that the pup is a lamb!

Much to the amusement of breeders John and Julie Bolton, the pair are now inseparable after the spotty lamb was rejected by its mother. Fortunately for the little ewe, who got her markings from the mating of a pure-bred white Dorper ram
with a cross-bred Dorper-Van Rooy ewe, the Dalmatian was happy to adopt her.

It's difficult to tell which is the most confused but Zoe was quick to show the abandoned lamb love and affection; licking her adoptive son affectionately and generally taking care of him. The little lamb happily follows Zoe around the farm and even sleeps inside the dog kennel.

Mrs Bolton said the confused little lamb had even tried to suckle from Zoe, but had to make do with a bottle instead.

Mr Bolton believes the bond between the dog and the lamb was formed because the dog is in the midst of her birthing season, and is brimming with motherly love. He commented: "She was already feeling that mothering instinct when the lamb was there, so it seemed to be a natural thing for her."

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue cases lead to restricted zone extension

Following the detection of new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), the restricted zone has been extended to include additional parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire, as well as Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and part of Dorset.

The zone now covers 28 counties and unitary authorities in England. As of 16 December, 185 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in England and Wales during the current vector period.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. Suspected cases in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the area where movement restrictions apply can be found here.