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AHT scientist presented with prestigious award
Dr Andrew Waller receives recognition for excellent service

The Animal Health Trust’s (AHT) Head of Bacteriology, Dr Andrew Waller, has been presented with the Welfare Award for excellent service in the cause of equine welfare at the British Horse Society (BHS) awards.

The event was held on Friday 2 November and actor and BHS president, Martin Clunes, presented the award.

The BHS awards are presented to individuals and organisation who have given outstanding service to the cause of equestrianism and equine welfare. Dr Waller received the Welfare Award in recognition of his dedication to combat strangles; the most commonly diagnosed infectious disease of horses worldwide.

Dr Waller has played a crucial part in the development of blood and DNA tests to diagnose horses infected with strangles. Both tests were launched in 2008 and there are now developments to launch the first safe strangles vaccine. He has also collaborated with the BHS on strangles education for many years and assisted with the development of the Strategy to Eradicate and Prevent Strangles (STEPS).

Upon receiving the award Dr Waller said: “I am extremely honoured and humbled to receive this award for our work towards the eradication of strangles.

“It is so important that our new diagnostic tests meet the needs of the horse-owning public and we are delighted that they are already having an important impact in preventing and controlling this devastating disease.” 

BHS Senior Executive (Welfare) Lee Hackett said: “Strangles is a horrible disease that can have devastating effects on horse health and lead to financial ruin for some equestrian businesses. The incredible work done by Andrew and his colleagues at the AHT has advanced our understanding of strangles enormously and there is no doubt that many horses, and indeed people, have benefited greatly from their research.

“The BHS has been privileged to work closely with Andrew and his team and there is no more deserving recipient of this award.”

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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.