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Sheep flocks to benefit from NZ genetics
New Zealand sheep flocks arrive in Britain

Commercial flocks in the UK are set to benefit from the importation of New Zealand genetics, with the arrival of New Zealand Texels.

Sheep breeders Robyn Hulme and his family have decided to break away from what Mr Hulme saw as the "pedigree-ised" faults within the UK breeding stock, and are looking to benefit from the traits in the NZ breed designed for low-input Antipodean sheep systems.

He says the decision followed the greater focus on show-ring fashion, as opposed to a commercial need for easy lambing ewes and viable lambs reared off grass, and hopes that the use of NZ genetics will alter this.

NZ Texels genetics have been introduced over the last four years, with several ewe lambs and rams being brought across in 2011. 

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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.