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Views sought on new code of practice for pig welfare
The new Code aims to give pig farmers the latest guidance on current legislation.
Code reflects latest veterinary and scientific knowledge

Defra has launched a consultation into plans for a new statutory code of practice for the welfare of pigs.

The existing code provides keepers of pigs with guidance on how to comply with current welfare legislation. However, it has not been updated since it was published in 2003.

Defra proposes to repeal the current statutory Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Livestock: Pigs (2003) and to replace it with a new statutory code.

The aim of this new code is to give farmers the latest guidance on current legislation, reflect the latest in veterinary and scientific knowledge and present this in a clear and relevant way.

The consultation is seeking views on whether and how well the draft statutory code, published with this consultation, achieves these aims.

The consultation will run until 9 March 2018 and can be found at https://consult.defra.gov.uk/animal-health-and-welfare/consultation-on-pig-a-draft-code-of-practice/consultation/intro/

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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.