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Majority of owners view pet health as a priority
Dog and vet
NOAH study reveals owner attitudes to healthcare

More than three quarters of pet owners in the UK consider the health of their pet to be as or more important that their own, according to a survey by the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH).

Of the 2,000 UK pet owners to take part in the study, 16 per cent claimed they visited their vet more frequently than their doctor.

Findings revealed that the expertise of practice staff was a top priority for pet owners when it came to choosing a veterinary practice, with 69 per cent of respondents citing this as one of the most important deciding factors.

Close behind, convenience of practice location was significant for 67 per cent of owners, while 38 per cent said cleanliness and modern facilities were one of the top considerations.

A total of 86 per cent of owners cited their vet as one of the most trusted sources for advice on pet healthcare, while 53 per cent also put faith in other pet and animal experts. Finally, 47 per cent of respondants believe pet healthcare websites offer trustworthy advice.

The survey also looked at which factors owners believe are most important for their pet's wellbeing. Providing pets with a safe environment in which to live and sleep was noted by 80 per cent of owners, while 76 per cent felt access to nutritious food and water was one of the most important factors. Finally, 42 per cent saw access to export healthcare as a priority.

The results of the survey have been released as NOAH's "I heart my pet" campaign enters its second year. The campaign was launched to encourage owners to seek expert preventative healthcare advice for their pets.

Commenting on the campaign's newly revamped Pet Health Info website, NOAH chief executive Phil Sketchley said: "The website continues to include a wealth of completely unbranded information on animal healthcare as well as exciting resources for owners, but is now in a fresh new format – much more interactive and designed for use with mobile devices."

See the relaunched website here www.pethealthinfo.org.uk

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.