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Researchers seeking evidence on dog activity levels
The survey aims to explore how different factors, including age, gender, health and time of year, impact how often a dog gets exercised.
Survey to explore how different factors impact different dogs

Researchers at Nottingham Trent University are urging dog owners to complete a short survey to help them investigate dog activity levels.

The survey aims to explore how different factors, including age, gender, health and time of year, impact how often a dog gets exercised. As part of their study, the researchers are also seeking to understand if any breeds are more sensitive to extreme weather conditions - particularly very hot or very cold weather.

Researchers hope their results could be used by veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to identify conditions that can impact dog activity levels and therefore increase the dog’s risk of developing obesity. They also hope the results could also help new dog owners identify breeds that might better suit their lifestyle.

“We don’t really know how much exercise or what type of exercise - the average pet dog currently gets,” said Emily Hall, a lecturer in veterinary nursing at Nottingham Trent University. “This work may help us to understand which factors impact a dog’s level of exercise and therefore identify dogs at risk of diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle.”

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.