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Belfast PDSA volunteer fundraising team wins national award
The team was presented with their award by PDSA head of fundraising Nigel Spencer at Belfast PDSA Pet Clinic.

Devoted team recognised for large-scale fundraising events

A volunteer fundraising team from Belfast that has helped raise thousands of pounds for PDSA has received a national award for their efforts.

The group has been led by Valerie Morrison for more than 12 years, organising a number of fundraising events including the annual Bark in the Park event. The fundraiser is attended by up to 5,000 people and has helped to raise £17,200 for PDSA since 2015.

The team were presented with their award for Fundraising Group of the Year by PDSA head of fundraising Nigel Spencer at the Belfast PDSA Pet Clinic on Tuesday 18 February.

Mr Spencer said: “PDSA couldn’t exist without our devoted volunteers, and Belfast’s dedicated team of fundraisers of have shown incredible commitment to the charity.

“Every year they go to great lengths to organise PDSA’s Bark in the Park, and its success is a testament to all their hard work. Last year’s event raised £4,500 and was attended by thousands of local dog-lovers, so it was a fantastic achievement.

“Valerie and the team’s passion and dedication to the charity is inspiring. They are great ambassadors for PDSA and we would like to say a huge well done for all of their efforts and congratulations on their Fundraising Group of the Year Award!”

Commenting on the group’s award, Mrs Morrison said: “We are all absolutely delighted to receive this award. A huge thank you must go to the volunteering group – known locally as the ‘Crazy Crafters’ – who have been such a fantastic asset to PDSA Bark in the Park! We really enjoy working towards this day and there are a great many laughs along the way.”

Image (c) PDSA.

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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.