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Battersea fosterer celebrates 140 cat milestone
Tina Moore has been fostering Battersea's cats since 2015.
The animal charity is marking its 140th anniversary.

Tina Moore, a Battersea volunteer and cat fosterer, has reached the milestone of fostering over 140 cats for the charity.

The achievement comes as the animal welfare charity also celebrates its 140th anniversary.

Ms Moore began fostering Battersea’s cats in 2015, after her own pet cat passed away. In the eight years since then she has cared for cats of every age group, including senior cats and kittens.

Among her charges have been new mothers, who needed a place to care for their kittens.

This has included one-year-old domestic short-hair Ariel, who was heavily pregnant when she was brought off the streets to Battersea’s Old Windsor rescue centre. After giving birth, Ariel needed a peaceful home to care for her young kittens.

Ms Moore provided a safe home for Ariel and her litter, where the kittens quickly displayed their unique personality. This included Dave, who soon revealed himself to be the most energetic and playful kitten of the litter.

Ms Moore’s fostering meant that all of the cats, including Ariel herself, were soon adopted into permanent homes.

Tina Moore said: “Being there for cats like Ariel is really what it’s all about, especially helping young kittens like Dave get used to new people so they can explore the world around them. You do end up having your favourites such as a recent litter of kittens I looked after called Rock, Paper and Scissors whose playful antics made me fall in love with the three little bundles of fur!”. 

“I’ve fostered so many cats over these past eight years, and it’s so special knowing I’ve played an important part in helping them find the love that they deserve, especially as Battersea is now celebrating its 140th anniversary of being there for cats.”

Rosy Price, interim head of volunteering, fostering and communities, said: "We’re always on the lookout for caring animal lovers who may not be able to commit to permanently rehoming one of our rescue animals, but can provide a temporary home for one of our cats or dogs so we can help identify the quirky personality traits that help match them with a forever family.

“If you think you could help by fostering your first rescue animal with us, we’d love to hear from you.”

Battersea foster carers must live near one of the charity’s centres in London, Windsor or Brands Hatch and have access to a car. They will receive support and training from Battersea, as well as pet care supplies.

For more information, visit their website.

Image © Battersea

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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.