The RCVS said it has received “worrying” testimonies of the pressure being placed on some practice teams following the Government’s ban on the breed type.

With a total of 36 animals now known to have contracted the virus, a senior vet has urged farmers to act now to seek the right to move animals out of restricted areas if they need to for welfare reasons.

The association has spoken out amid reports of practices and clinicians being threatened, and has also urged staff teams to support each other regardless of their individual views on the issue.

University of Bristol’s small animal centre says it is the first vet school hospital to be part of the project, which is run jointly by Dogs Trust and the British Veterinary Behaviour Association.

Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service has introduced the cat and dog service to coincide with the launch of a pharmaceutical company’s new treatment option.

The Andes mountains are among the obstacles in David Hodges’ way as he bids to ride coast-to-coast from western Chile to Buenos Aires for cat welfare charity.

Webinar to advise vets on the present situation hears vaccine ultimately needed to tackle outbreak, amid fears about the potential for case numbers to keep rising during 2024.

Cats Protection has expanded its Lifeline service to several new regions, but says more help is needed so it can operate across the UK.

Harper Adams to offer new RCVS accreditation in advanced veterinary nursing (exotic, zoo and wildlife).

Collin Willson said he was “honoured” to be recognised as colleagues paid tribute to his “pivotal” work in the meat industry.

Issue is part of a broader exercise seeking public views on whether new licensing requirements in Wales should be applied to animal-related activities such as rescue centres.

Defra said it was “right” to give them the same rights as other dog owners, although the exemption only applies to dogs that were in their care when the ban timetable was outlined.

Total of 27 animals now affected by the virus after more cases are confirmed in Norfolk and Kent.

In a newly released open letter to the prime minister, the group said more time was urgently needed for owners, vets and rescue centres to “do the best for the dogs in our care”.

The BVA and RSPCA have both welcomed plans for tougher rules, but say Defra must work with veterinary and zoological groups on how they are implemented.