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British Hen Welfare Trust raises concerns about Brexit uncertainty
The UK egg sector is hugely successful, with around 13 billion eggs eaten every year in the country. 87 per cent of these eggs are produced here in the UK.

Potential changes in trade policies present risk for hen welfare

In a recent statement, the British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) discussed its concerns over the future of the British egg industry following Brexit.

The primary concern expressed in the statement is that if tariffs are removed – which the government has suggested will happen in the event of a no-deal Brexit – then a flood of cheaper eggs produced to lower standards will hit the UK market, as producers from countries where battery farming is legal will be able to undercut UK farmers.

BHWT, the NFU and the British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) have confirmed that they will continue to urge the government to preserve this important industry, through upholding animal welfare standards and protecting free range egg farmers.

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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.