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New bTB pressure group calls for cull options
Inaugural meeting held

A new pressure group calling for a 'middle way' of dealing with the problem of bovine TB in badgers has held its inaugural meeting. The group is calling for a selective cull of infected badgers by gassing, followed by oral vaccination of those which are left.

The Badger Welfare Association, founded by dairy farmer Derek Mead, attracted roughly 150 farmers to its first meeting near Bridgwater on Tuesday 14th August, as well as various badger protection groups.

Mr Mead said the group wanted to use 'countryside ways' to identify infected setts. He added: “We feel the badger groups are totally irresponsible and need to sit down and talk to the powers that be and get the problem resolved. They just seem to deny there is anything wrong.

“It’s not acceptable to the public that there is a core of TB in the countryside which is not being addressed.”

However, a spokesman for NFU South West has described the suggestions of the group as "just not practical."


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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.