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New RCVS president to replace fear of College
Dr Chris Tufnell (left) with Dr Bradley Viner after receiving the presidential chain of office.

Dr Chris Tufnell calls on profession to wear badge with pride

The new president of the RCVS has called upon veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to be proud of their profession and to feel great that they are committed to the welfare of animals in their care.

In his maiden speech, Dr Chris Tufnell said: "Sadly we often hear that there are vets and nurses who live in fear of the RCVS. This is something of which I am personally ashamed.

"Being particularly mindful of the role and fear anxiety play in mental health, I will do everything I can to replace this fear... I will encourage all hardworking vets and nurses, whichever field they are in, to wear their [MRCVS] 'badge' with pride. Feel good about what you do, feel great about what you do."

Dr Tufnell, an elected member of Council since 2009, graduated with a veterinary degree from the University of Glasgow at the age of 30, having first attained a degree in Agricultural and Environmental Science from the University of Newcastle.

Following graduation, Chris worked in a mixed practice in Herefordshire before purchasing an equine and companion animal practice in West Berkshire, which currently employs five veterinary surgeons and five support staff.

Dr Tufnell became the College's new president at RCVS day on July 15. His first official duty upon receiving the presidential chain of office from President Dr Bradley Viner was to welcome the new Junior Vice President Professor Stephen May.

During the day, new members of RCVS and VN Councils were also welcomed.

Two new members of Council - Melissa Donald and Lucie Goodwin - invited to take up their seats and their four-year terms on Council. The re-elected members, Christopher Barker, Amanda Boag, Kut Sturgess and Stephen May were also confirmed for their four-year terms.

For VN Council, the newly elected members Rachael Marshall and Matthew Rendle were formally welcomed to their four-year terms by Liz Cox chair of VN Council.

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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.