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James Herriot of Helmand
Captain Malone has the nickname of the James Herriot of Helmand.
In war-torn Helmand Province a British vet is working with Afghan farmers to improve the health of their livestock and quality of life. This documentary makes for inspiring viewing…

Following a phone call from Major Paul Smith in Afghanistan, the Country Channel was given special access to footage of Army vet Captain Miles Malone, a vet posted to Helmand Province to provide veterinary services for the working dogs operating in the area. Captain Malone and other colleagues are currently developing veterinary clinics and a vaccination programme to help local farmers and shepherds improve the health of their livestock.

The pioneering new vet clinic, which operates in desert communities and villages, offers local farmers and shepherds the opportunity to vaccinate their animals, which has positive outcomes not just for the livestock, but also for the community as a whole.  It’s a practical and sure fire way of winning the hearts and minds battle with Afghans.

Nicknamed the James Herriot of Helmand, Captain Malone is clearly passionate about the project and is enthused by its success: “In two and a half months this is my third trip out to treat the local livestock, he told the Country Channel. “What we are doing directly improves the quality of the milk, and meat that animals are providing. Improving the village farmers’ diet and standard of living has a bearing on their own health and that of their community.”

Watch the short documentary film, ‘The Right Approach’, online via The Country Channel. The film will also be broadcast on Sky Channel 171 later in the spring – a longer feature film is in the pipeline…

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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.