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Moredun aims to find global solutions
New mission reflects focus and reach, says chief exec

Moredun Research Institute has recently reworded its mission as a reflection of its research focus and reach, commented chief executive Julie Fitzpatrick. The mission now reads: "To lead in livestock health solutions for global food security".

Professor Fitzpatrick added that Moredun aims to "contribute significantly to finding global solutions to food security". She spoke of the institute's new mission during its an annual press day, in which recent major projects are highlighted.

One of the projects it described, was the evaluation of a new diagnostic test for liver fluke in cattle and sheep, in collaboration with Quality Meat Scotland. Project Leader Philip Skuce said they were able to detect liver fluke one month ahead of the traditional egg count and that the team were working to transfer this to natural outbreaks of the disease.

Another project mentioned at the event was the ongoing research to contribute to better diagnostics and vaccination of sheep scab. Project Leader Stewart Burgess said that current controls are becoming unsustainable, however, the team are woking on a vaccine that shows promising levels of protection.

Beth Wells, a member of the institute's communications team, spoke of their recent return from Moredun's annual series of UK-wide roadshows. She said that the team had been encouraged by the good turnout and the range of interests from the attendees.

Beth added that Moredun has also been organising interactive scientific activities for schoolchildren, which have been well-received by teachers, she reported.

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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.