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Nominations open for AMTRA council representatives
AMTRA is seeking representatives in the RAMA categories of farm animal, equine and companion animal practice.
The not-for-profit is seeking eight RAMA's to join its board.

Nominations for council representatives on the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) Board have opened.

AMTRA Council advises the board and AMTRA secretariet on various issues affecting Registered Animal Medicines Advisors (RAMAs) and ensures that their voices are represented on the Council.

This year there are eight available seats for council representatives compared to six in previous years. Representatives are elected by Registered Animal Medicines Advisors (RAMAs) to represent those working in the industry. 

Specifically, AMTRA Council is seeking two RAMAs each representing the categories of farm animal, equine and companion animal practice. The chair of council will also appointing a further four representatives to ensure that all voices and areas of the industry are covered.

John Blackwell, AMTRA vice-chair and AMTRA council chair, commented: “The inclusion of RAMAs who are working ‘on the front line’ is, for me, crucial in formulating strategy and policy, bringing current ideas to the table and helping the Council make good decisions.”

“It’s important that all areas of our industry are represented, and by further increasing the number of RAMAs on council, we are gold-plating and increasing the breadth and depth of the council." 

He added: “We encourage an open flow of communication, in both directions, but there’s scope to make of the role whatever you wish, and RAMAs may have some ideas we haven't thought of,” he adds.

Board members will be required to attend four Zoom meetings per year and to contribute to these in a meaningful way. Representatives may also be required to respond to occasional emails or correspondence from AMTRA staff on various topics.

Nominations should be emailed to stephen@amtra.org.uk with a 250-word explanation to fellow RAMAs about why they believe they are suitable for the role. The closing date for applications is 15 November 2022. 

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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.