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UK animal organisations unite to support pet owners during COVID-19
The colourful inforgraphics offer tips and advice on how owners can protect themselves and their pets.

New resources help to combat misinformation around pet care

A number of UK charities and animal organisations have collaborated to produce a series of informative infographics to help pet owners care for their animals and each other during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The coalition is concerned about the spread of misinformation which causing confusing and stress amongst owners, and includes groups such as Battersea, BSAVA, Dogs Trust, Cats Protection, the Blue Cross and PDSA.

The colourful infographics offer tips and advice on how owners can protect their pets and themselves by practising good hygiene, how to look after pets whilst social distancing or self-isolating, and how to help charities and vulnerable people with pets.

Chris Laurence, chair of the Canine and Feline Sector Group (CFSG), said: “We have come together to reassure people that there is no evidence that pets can get sick from coronavirus so not to panic or worry. We have also written some clear and simple tips about how to continue to care for them through this crisis.

“Like many others, the animal welfare sector is facing huge strain, with reduced staffing, loss of volunteers and pressure on resources. We need to reassure owners with good advice so they can continue to look after their pets, and this will help prevent rescue centres being overwhelmed at this challenging time.”

“Pets are a big part of our families and it is important to make sure they stay happy and healthy during these difficult times. Isolation for us can mean some big changes for our pets and they won’t understand why. We hope this advice will help owners help their pets, while looking after themselves too.”

Please visit the CFSG website for more information, including a full list of the organisations involved.

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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.