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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 26th January 2012
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VPMA 2012 Congress opens!
Guest speakers Mark Opperman and Sheila Grosdidier
Congress to run from 26th-28th January

The 2012 Veterinary Practice Management Association (VPMA) Congress has opened at the Chesford Grange Hotel of Kenilworth, Warwickshire. A packed program of guest speakers, lectures, seminars and social events awaits those attending.

Those arriving on the evening of Thursday 26th are advised to do so before 7pm so they do not miss the beginning of the social programme. 'Team Generation Game', complete with cuddly toy and conveyor belt, will hopefully break the ice and bring back memories of the old TV favourite.

Friday 27th will be devoted to a stream on the subtleties of modern marketing, complete with presentations on websites, social networking, search engine optimisation and e-marketing. That practices are adapting – some with more success than others – to these new forms of communication with clients is by now a well known industry trend, so it is expected that the presentations will be useful and well-attended. Six sessions will be on offer and they will be appropriate for the expert and the novice alike.

The evening, however, will be devoted to a sparkling drinks reception sponsored by the veterinary wholesaler Henry Schein and a four-course banquet provided by Norbrook. Blind Lemon will also be making a triumphant return, and it is hoped that this year's Congress will enjoy their appearance as much as last year's.

Saturday 28th, once those attending have recovered sufficiently from the previous evening, will see three streams on offer: Retailing Masterclasses, HR Boot Camp, and Impact on People sessions. Delegates are welcome to move between streams so that they can learn what will benefit their practices the most.

More details are available from the Congress website at www.vpmacongress.co.uk.

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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.