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Vets urged to support Rabbit Awareness Week
"We recognise that the vet community plays a vital role in ensuring that owners are armed with the right information" - Holly Castle, RAAG member.
Campaign organisers have created free printable resources.

The organisers of Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) are asking veterinary practices to get involved in the campaign.

Taking place in three weeks time, from 27 June to 1 July, RAW aims to educate pet owners on rabbit welfare.

Research undertaken by PDSA found that over a quarter of UK rabbits are keep in inadequate housing, and almost half of the UK's rabbits live alone, despite companionship being essential for rabbit welfare. 

Taking this research into consideration, the theme for this year's RAW is 'Room for rabbits' – highlighting the necessity of suitable housing and environment for pet rabbits. 

Holly Castle, Rabbit Awareness Action Group member, explained why veterinary support is vital for the campaign: “We recognise that the vet community plays a vital role in ensuring that owners are armed with the right information about rabbits’ welfare needs, which is why we are urging practices to download our RAW vet packs and run their own campaigns this year. 

“Given the increase in demand for rabbit ownership in the UK in the past two years, it is more important than ever that we educate as many owners as possible, so that these wonderful creatures can live the life they deserve, in the right environment.”

RAW organisers have created free downloadable resources for veterinary professionals to share with clients, including health logs, posters, printable bunting and guidance on RAW campaigns.

Holly added: “Throughout RAW there will be a wealth of great content on Facebook and Instagram, but we need the veterinary community's help in spreading the word in their local areas.”

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.