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Climate change linked to livestock diseases
Conference warned on outbreak frequency

The Farm Cutting Carbon Toolkit Conference was told yesterday (Monday 27th February) that outbreaks of disease such as the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) and Bluetongue would become more frequent unless the effects of climate change were urgently arrested.

Chief Advisor on Renewable Energy and Climate Change for the National Farmer's Union (NFU) Dr Jonathan Scurlock told those attending that the warmer climate meant that virus-carrying midges were 'thriving'. Dr Scurlock also added that drought will also become a more frequent problem in future years due to climate change.

Echoing Dr Scurlock's predictions, Chairman of Natural England Poul Christensen added that “We can see climate change impacting on our farms. Birds are nesting earlier and plants are flowering earlier. There should be no doubt about climate change and there should be no doubt about the need to tackle it.”

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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.