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Sheep scab figures
High number of cases in north-east Scotland

Recent figures from the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) reflect that the north-east of Scotland is worst affected by sheep scab at the moment.

The data shows that almost half of the 76 overall reported sheep scab cases came from Aberdeenshire, with high numbers of cases also reported in Perthshire, Ayrshire and Lanarkshire.

Sheep scab is caused by mites that feed on the skin surface of sheep, causing severe itching and infection which leads to poor weight gain and fleece damage. It was introduced as a notifiable disease in Scotland in 2010.

There are concerns for a further spread of sheep scab, which is highly contagious, during the upcoming winter months.

Current advice recommends animals bought in with an unknown treatment history should be dosed up for scab upon arrival to the new premises with a single injection of doramectin. 

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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.