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Cats Protection to host feline behaviour conference
"We're constantly being asked why [cats] behave the way they do and it's hard to find all this information in one place" - Daniel Cummings, Cats Protection.

Online event will feature informative sessions and engaging Q&As.

Cats Protection is set to host an online conference focused specifically on feline behaviour.

The one-day event, to be run in conjunction with The Webinar Vet, will feature informative sessions and engaging Q&As focussing on an array of topics, including:

  • how cats learn
  • how cats communicate
  • a discussion panel on the future of cats and the biggest welfare issues they face.

“Cats have subtle ways of communicating and are therefore renowned for being hard to read,” said Daniel Cummings, Cats Protection’s behaviour officer. “We’re constantly being asked why they behave in the way they do and it’s hard to find all this information in one place which is why we wanted to hold an affordable and accessible event for anyone interested in understanding feline behaviour.”

According to the charity, the conference is ideal for veterinary professionals and everyone working in the animal welfare sector - as well as budding cat behaviourists. It is also suitable for those whose work focuses on cats indirectly, including those studying for a relevant qualification.

The day will count as six hours of Continuing Professional Development, with speakers including a range of cat behaviour experts such as welfare advocate Sarah Ellis, co-author of ‘The Trainable Cat’.

The event starts at 9.30 am on 11 September, and the content will be available for another six months after the event for no extra fee. Tickets can be purchased at www.cats.org.uk/feline-behaviour-conference at a cost of £50 plus VAT. 

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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.