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Scottish SPCA launches ‘Christmas dinner’ appeal
The donations will help the charity to provide care for animals waiting for homes during the winter months.

Many centres will be close to capacity at Christmas.

The Scottish SPCA has launched its appeal for ‘Christmas dinners’ for dogs and cats in their care this Christmas.

The rescue charity is asking for donations of dog and cat food, as well as other pet care items, to support its animal rescue and rehoming centres during its busiest season.

The Scottish SPCA says that it cares for thousands of domestic and wild animals throughout the year. Welfare reports also mean that their centres can take dozens of animals into their care at once, meaning they often need supplies urgently.

These donations will help the charity’s caregivers to provide nutrition, stimulation and support to animals waiting for permanent homes during the winter months.

As many of the animals that the rescue charity care for have sensitive digestion, many of these centres are asking for specific brands of food. Each centre has a dedicated Amazon wishlist, highlighting what they need the most.

Donations can be made by ordering items to the centre through Amazon, or using the wishlist to order items from other suppliers to the centres.

They also accept donations of food, treats or toys in-person at their centres’ receptions. Donors can bring items in between 11am and 3pm, and let the centre know that the donation is for the Christmas appeal.

Jennie Macdonald, head of rehabilitation operations, said: “We know times are tough for everyone but we’d be so grateful for anything anyone can spare this Christmas and know our animals will be too."

The Amazon wishlists can be accessed here.

Image © Shutterstock

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New guidelines published for wildlife disease surveillance

News Story 1
 A set of international guidelines for disease surveillance in wildlife has been updated for the first time since 2015.

Released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the World Organisation for Animal Health, General Guidelines for Surveillance of Diseases, Pathogens and Toxic Agents in Free-ranging Wildlife is designed to help wildlife authorities and others working with wildlife carry out effective surveillance programmes.

The document, which cover areas including choosing appropriate strategies, safety and biosafety protocols, and ethical and legal considerations, can be read here.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Restricted zone extended after more bluetongue cases

After three new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 were detected along the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire border, the restricted zone has been extended.

The zone now includes Buckinghamshire and part of Berkshire, as well as Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Essex, Greater London, part of Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, part of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, part of Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Surrey, and West Sussex.

Susceptible animals in the restricted zone should only be moved if it is essential. A specific licence is needed to move a susceptible animal from within the restricted zone to outside of the zone.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. In Northern Ireland, suspected cases should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the areas where restrictions apply can be found here.