The case in Dunfermline is the first reported north of the Central Belt, raising fears that the disease may be spreading further north than previously thought.

Ministers have been urged to prioritise the passing of new veterinary sector legislation among a series of recommendations to improve pet welfare.

Measures to make it easier for vets and other professionals to gain pets’ data have been backed by the BVA and leading charities.

The BVA said Scottish ministers’ plans properly balanced protecting dogs’ health and preventing breeding.

Two leading vets and researchers clashed on the issue during a packed, and at times heated, discussion at BSAVA Congress, while the BVA defended use of anthelmintic products.

College leaders say the Inverness facility, which has been opened by the Princess Royal, will also play a key role in educating some of the country’s future vets.

An online fund-raising push has been launched to support the initiative, which officials say has already provided more than 42,000 pet meals this year alone.

Tougher rules on the keeping of these animals in England were supported at the Manchester event, although questions were raised on whether similar standards could be applied to other species.

The ‘Born To Suffer’ initiative has been launched by the RSPCA to raise public awareness of the health issues faced by several popular breeds.

Alison Hammond named Vet of the Year and Nicole Shorto wins Vet Nurse of the Year at annual awards ceremony.

But a presentation to the BSAVA Congress in Manchester also heard fears that providers could potentially be accused of wrongdoing without even knowing about it.

Practices are also being urged to move quickly if they have “appropriate and eligible” candidates for roles before the process of implementing the new regulations begins next month.

Organisers of the 2023 Antibiotic Amnesty say they are ‘delighted’ with the results of the latest campaign as they hope to encourage even greater participation later this year.

The Edmonton Green PDSA Pet Clinic is housed in a refurbished former RSPCA facility and opened for its first patients on 4 March.

The new proposals, which are intended to follow on from the current intensive culling activity that is due to end in early 2026, were outlined in a 40-page document published on 14 March.

Identi had been urging owners to check their pets’ microchips between 13 March and tomorrow (20 March), the first day of spring, in a drive ahead of cat microchipping regulations.

Officials say new rules coming into force this autumn will identify all bird keepers in areas affected by disease and improve surveillance.