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NOAH welcomes commitment to animal health and welfare in Queen’s Speech
"Our priority is a vibrant and innovative UK animal health sector." - Dawn Howard, NOAH chief executive.

Importance of welfare outlined in new government plans

NOAH has released a statement, welcoming the commitment to parliamentary time to amend the Veterinary Medicines Regulations, as mentioned in the Queen’s Speech.

Dawn Howard, chief executive of NOAH said: “EU exit means that a robust, sensible and proportionate UK regulatory system, firmly based on internationally recognised science and technical expertise, is more important than ever.

“We have emphasised that parliamentary time will be needed to review the veterinary medicines legislation and help ensure opportunities that EU exit may present come to fruition, and are pleased to see this has been specifically included within the Medical and Medical Devices Bill.”

The association also expressed its approval of the emphasis on animal welfare in the new government’s plans within the Agriculture and Environment Bills.

NOAH’s Vision Paper for Animal Health and Welfare outlines the association’s goals regarding further development of agriculture policy in the UK. Focusing primarily on animal health and identifying the necessary processes required to improve the health and welfare of UK livestock.

Mrs Howard added: “Taking an animal health perspective will help deliver the benefits in terms of welfare that the bill aims to achieve, as well as supporting productivity, sustainability and resilience of farms – all helping to prepare for changes in trading outside the EU.

“Our paper sets out a holistic approach – as we believe no single action is going to deliver proper forward momentum. We look forward to working with the new Government to ensure our shared vision comes to fruition.”

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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.