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Volunteers evacuate pets from Ukraine combat zones
Olha Zaitseva alongside two fellow volunteers.
Pets and people are being moved to safety.

Volunteers are risking their lives to rescue pets from cities on the current front-line of the war between Ukraine and Russia.

The Elefond foundation, founded by Olha Zaitseva, is currently evacuating animals from cities, towns and villages in the Donetsk region, including Avdiivka, Ocheretyne, Stepove and Chasiv Yar. The foundation also helps civilians leave dangerous areas.

Ms Zaitseva has been evacuating people and pets from the front-line since March 2022 as well as delivering humanitarian aid to those who are still living in conflict zones.

She said: “Many people leave animals, and the most painful part is that they leave them chained. Every time people were evacuated, everyone was asked to either untie their animals or I walked around and checked yards after people.”

While working in the city of Selydove, she was injured and has developed hearing difficulties in her left ear. Andrew Bagshaw and Chris Parry, two international volunteers who worked alongside her, were killed on the front-line in January 2023.

A project in memory of Mr Parry, called AnimalsParry, has been launched by Ms Zaitseva to help animals rescued in Ukraine.

Ms Zaitseva said: “Chris and I always took care of animals together and wanted to establish a shelter together, but we didn't have time.

“Therefore, I want Chris to be remembered. To continue evacuating them, we need new enclosures, more spaces, and more territory.”

The volunteers are receiving support from the charity U-Hearts, which has been providing Zaitseva’s team with pet food to feed the animals they rescue.

Image © U-Hearts

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Prof Joanne Webster elected as Fellow of the Royal Society

News Story 1
 Joanne Webster, a professor of parasitic diseases at the RVC, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS).

An infectious disease expert, Prof Webster is known for promoting a One Health approach to disease control.

She completed her doctoral research in zoonotic disease and parasite-host interactions, and has since earned widespread recognition for contributions to parasitology and global health.

Prof Webster said: "I am truly honoured, and somewhat stunned, to be recognised alongside such an exceptional group of scientists." 

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News Shorts
Germany FMD import restrictions eased

The UK government has lifted the import restrictions placed on FMD-susceptible commodities from Germany.

The decision comes after the country was recognised as foot-and-mouth disease free without vaccination on 14 May.

Imports of FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products from Germany were originally banned, after the country reported a case of FMD near Brandenburg in January. In March, the UK government permitted imports from outside of the outbreak zone.

Germany will now be able to import FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products into the UK, providing they meet other import conditions.

The decision follows rigorous technical assessment of measures in Germany. Defra says it will not hesitate respond to FMD outbreaks.