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RVN raises money for Macmillan with sponsored walk
Pictured: Nicola Tooth with Nelson.
Nicola Tooth is walking 100km over November with her dog Nelson.  

Nicola Tooth, an RVN from Cave Veterinary Specialists, has undertaken a challenge to walk 100 kilometres with her dog over the month of November.

Along with her chocolate Labrador Nelson, Nicola is taking part in a walking challenge organised by UK charity Macmillan Cancer Support.

Nicola commented on the challenge: “I have a close relative who has survived breast cancer and I feel strongly about supporting the ongoing research to fight this terrible disease. 

“I do love outdoor walking and as long as we can manage at least 3.3k per day, we will be right on target to complete it in the 30 days. I’m pretty confident as that’s the sort of daily distance I normally do with Nelson.”

The challenge is even more difficult for Nicola, who has mild undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy of the spine, which is a form of arthritis which affects the vertebrae. 

“The challenge is to walk 100km with your dog in November and that suits both me and Nelson. Because of my spinal disease I am unable to do any hardcore exercise so this is an ideal challenge for me, something that was little and often throughout November,” Nicola said. 

“Nelson’s only seven months old so little and often exercise is perfect for him too because he’s still developing.”

Claire Lawrence, Cave's hospital director, added: “Everyone at Cave is super proud of Nicola and Nelson for undertaking this challenge for such a worthy cause.”

Donations to support Nicola's fundraiser can be made here

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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.