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UK birds 'poisoned' by lead gunshot
Lead poisoning killing UK waterbirds

Scientists have revealed that lead poisoning from spent gun ammunition is a significant cause of death among the UK waterbirds.

Ten per cent of dead waterbirds collected from 1971 to 2012 died from lead poisoning, and a third of a sample of living birds were also affected. Over 2000 post-mortem examinations were conducted on individual waterbirds across 28 species across Britain over the past four decades, and up to 438 pieces of lead shot were found in the dead birds. The primary cause of death was lead poisoning in one in ten cases.

Scientists believe this shows that laws restricting the use of lead gunshot are not effective, but shooting groups have disagreed, stating that few people still use lead gunshot, but there is a 'historical legacy' of lead shot in the environment.

The study, conducted by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT), is published in the European Journal of Wildlife Research.

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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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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.