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Help garden birds survive cold snap, RSPB urges
Birds will be “desperately searching for food, water and shelter to survive”.
‘Beast from the East’ comes at a critical time for birds 

Plunging temperatures in the UK this week could spell disaster for garden birds, the RSPB is warning, as it urges the public to help by providing food and shelter.

The Met Office is forecasting ‘exceptionally cold’ weather across much of the UK this week, as the ‘Beast from the East’ brings icy winds and heavy snow from Russia.

Birds will struggle to cope with the cold snap after milder weather in January, which saw temperatures reach 15ºC in parts of southern England. It comes at a critical time, as birds need extra energy for finding mates and building nests.

Claire Thomas, RSPB wildlife advisor, said birds will be “desperately searching for food, water and shelter to survive”. However, members of the public can make a “real difference” to garden birds, improving their chances of surviving the freezing temperatures and making it to breeding season, she added.

The organisation is calling on people to provide a variety of sustenance, particularly fatty foods. Examples include fat balls or homemade bird cakes, which are cheap to make using kitchen scraps and lard and only take a few minutes. Seeds, fruits and dried mealworms are also favoured snacks among birds.

Fresh water for drinking and bathing is essential but this may be difficult for birds to find after a frost. To keep water sources ice-free, float a small ball on the surface of the water. Finally, put up a nest box to give birds somewhere to roost and shelter from harsh weather.

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.