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Welsh public asked to report dead badger sightings
Badger
"Bovine TB is one of the biggest challenges facing Wales' farming industry."
Help requested for Wales-wide survey as part of drive to tackle bovine TB

Members of the public in Wales are being asked to report sightings of dead badgers as part of the Welsh Government's continuing drive to tackle bovine tuberculosis (TB).

It's hoped the sighting information will help with an extensive survey being carried out across the whole of Wales that aims to identify which badgers found dead are infected with bovine TB.

The survey started on Monday, 3 November, and will continue through until at least the end of 2015. It has already been running in the Intensive Action Area in North Pembrokeshire since 2012.

Anyone who finds a dead badger is asked to contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on 0300 303 8268. The line is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and wherever possible APHA will endeavour to collect all carcasses reported.

Deputy Minister for Farming and Food, Rebecca Evans said: "Bovine TB is one of the biggest challenges facing Wales' farming industry. It is a devastating disease and one that, as a government, we are working hard to eradicate… The survey will provide useful information on Mycobacterium bovis (M.bovis) infection in badgers and the results will be used to investigate the relationship between M.bovis infection in badgers and cattle. This is another important step in our aim to tackle TB and achieve our ultimate goal of a TB free Wales."

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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.