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Scotland to play host to conservation genetics conference
"We're really excited to welcome everyone to the wonderful city of Edinburgh" - Dr Emily Humble, the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute.

Experts will share recent developments in this rapidly-evolving field. 

International experts are set to gather in Edinburgh for the fifth European Conservation Genetics Meeting, taking place across three days in September (August 30 – September 1).

Hosted by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, the University of Edinburgh and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), it is the first time the meeting will be held in the UK - and the first time it has taken place since 2015.

The event will see experts from across Europe and beyond share recent developments in conservation genetics, the study of which is contributing to the conservation of some of the world’s most endangered wildlife.

A rapidly evolving field, scientists hope that by understanding the genetic diversity within a population, they can define what they are working with and how best to protect it.

Dr Kara Dicks, a researcher at RZSS WildGenes, Edinburgh Zoo, commented: "Our planet is facing an extinction crisis, so now more than ever, we are looking forward to hosting an in-person global event to learn and share vital information. By coming together to share our expertise and experience in designing genetic tools, we can protect species around the world and help secure a future for wildlife.”

Dr Emily Humble, a research fellow in conservation genomics at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, added: “This is the first time the European Conservation Genetics Meeting has happened in the UK, and we're really excited to welcome everyone to the wonderful city of Edinburgh.”

The event is taking place both in-person and online. For more information about the conference and to register, visit consgen.org

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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.