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Paralysed patient breakthrough
Stem cells used to bring back feeling for patients

Two out of three paralysed patients have found sensation in a previously numb area since receiving neural stem injections, following treatment from Californian company StemCells.

Touch and heat sensation was found six months after therapy for two of the patients between their chest and bellybutton. Unfortunately, the third has seen no change.

The patients were injected directly to the injured region of their spinal cord four to eight months after injury with stem cells donated from fetal brain tissue. These are the first of 12 who will eventually receive the therapy.

"We need to keep monitoring these patients to see if feeling continues to affect lower segments of their bodies," said Stephen Huhn of StemCells. "These are results after only six months, and we will follow these patients for many years."

It is hoped that once fully developed this therapy could one day become incorporated into the veterinary industry.

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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.