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BVA asks owners to protect pets in winter
"Its important to remember that freezing temperatures and icy conditions call for extra precautions to protect pets" - Justine Shotton.
The BVA is offering top tips for avoiding cold weather hazards.

The BVA is reminding pet owners to take extra precautions to protect their pets over the winter months with six top tips to keep pets safe from the cold.

“Many of us will be wrapping up a little warmer over the coming weeks and its important to remember that freezing temperatures and icy conditions also call for extra precautions to protect pets,” said BVA president Justine Shotton. 

“If you have any concerns about your pet in this cold weather, please consult your local vet for advice.” 

The BVA's top tips for pet owners to keep pets safe in the cold weather are as follows: 

• Provide a warm, draught-free shelter, and for outdoor pets, ensure that the enclosure is in a sheltered position and at least 10cm off the ground.
• Take precautions such as coats during and after walks, and wipe down dog's paws and stomachs once home to remove ice or salt, and regularly check for cracks in paw-pads.
• Avoid antifreeze poisoning by wiping your pet's paws after they have been outside, and store and use antifreeze products carefully.
• Take care near frozen bodies of water, do not let your pet off the lead near them.
• Keep the temperature of rabbit homes between 10 and 20 degrees celsius and the temperature of guinea pig homes between five and 20 degrees celsius.
• Provide extra bedding for rabbits and guinea pigs, and cover outdoor enclosures with an old duvet, blanket or tarpaulin. Consider moving them inside to a well-ventilated space if the weather becomes particularly severe.

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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.