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Leading scientists to deliver ‘crash course’ in animal breeding
The course is designed to bring attendees up to speed on the application of genomics.

Course to give vets and livestock professionals a refresher in genetics 

World-leading scientists at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) will deliver a ‘crash course’ in animal breeding next month.

Delivered in tandem with Agrimetrics, Vetnomics is intended for practising vets, their clients, interested farmers, retailers, genomic services providers and breeding companies.

The course will give vets and livestock professionals a refresher in basic genetics - from the latest developments in genotyping and sequencing to the best assessment and management of animals based on their genetic merit.

Course organiser Dr Steph Smith said the programme is designed to bring attendees up to speed on the application of genomics by taking them away from their day jobs for as short a time as possible.

“Vetnomics provides a comprehensive but condensed introduction to genetics and genomics in animal breeding and their use in practice in just two days,” she said.

The course will include a practical demonstration by Neogen, a company that provides genomics services for agricultural, livestock and food customers in Europe.

SRUC livestock expert Professor Mike Coffey, who will be helping to deliver the course, said: “The practical application of science is playing an increasingly important role in modern farming. Genomic technologies can help improve and safeguard animal health and welfare through better breeding and management.

"Vets are the most trusted farm advisers so need to know what to advise on genomics. Through the interdisciplinary approach of Vetnomics, we hope to share important messages from animal genetics research, give confidence in emerging technologies and refresh and inform vets as to the underlying mechanisms of genetic progress for data interpretation and discussion with farmers."

Vetnomics is available online or through a two-day residential. It will be held at the Norton House Hotel, Ingliston, Edinburgh, on 22 and 23 November.

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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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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.