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Skomer Island’s seals killed in recent storms
Skomer Island is an important breeding ground for the Atlantic grey seal.

Wildlife Trust launches fundraising appeal

Recent storms have killed more than two-thirds of seal pups living on Pembrokeshire’s Skomer Island.

According to a report by BBC News, storms Ophelia and Brian also wiped out 90 seal pups living on nearby Ramsey Island.

Lizzie Wilberforce, conservation manager for Skomer said: "These storms were the strongest since 1987 and unfortunately, violent storms like these are becoming more common as our islands are exposed and vulnerable to severe weather.

"It is vital that we start to put protocols in place to better deal with the potential impacts, on both the islands' wildlife and infrastructure."

Skomer Island is owned by The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales and is an important breeding ground for the Atlantic grey seal. The Trust is now aiming to raise at least £25,000 to monitor the impact on wildlife, repair the damage, and storm-proof the islands for the future.

For more information visit: www.welshwildlife.org/Islands-storm-Appeal

Image (C) Oliver Dixon

 

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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.