Ministers say they will double investment in alternative methods and publish a new proposal for further reductions later this year.

Minette Batters defends role of badger culling as part of bTB eradication strategy before urging politicians to work with them in tackling the problem.

The charity is encouraging all companion animal and equine practices to have at least one member of staff to reach its gold standard to help make a positive difference on the issue.

Officials say rules that have been in place for up to three months can be relaxed because of lower infection risks, although some sites will remain under restrictions for now.

African Union leaders have agreed to halt the controversial practice, which has been linked to the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of donkeys in recent years.

A puppy is now set to begin drug detection training after life-saving emergency surgery at an Essex referral centre.

The North of Ireland Veterinary Association has formally opposed proposals to reduce payouts to farmers for the disease-related slaughter.

University lecturer warns more still needs to be done to reassure students and new graduates against the apprehension of a case being brought against them.

Seventeen nominations have been submitted for the annual contests to fill seats on the college’s council and VN council.

An RVN who combines clinical and police work has taken up a new senior post with the practice.

A new report has revealed concerns were raised over the potential for criminal prosecutions to be brought because of planned reforms to the Veterinary Medicines Regulations.

Places are now available on a two-day course that will take place in Nottingham in early March.

CVS Group bosses believe their new training hub for receptionists and other public-facing staff is a first for the veterinary sector.

“It appears that this is becoming an increasing problem and needs addressing to prevent further attacks” – Andrew Parker, SPVS senior vice-president.

Chris Tufnell said increasing clinical workloads and staffing pressures are behind the decision to give up the role he was elected into two years ago.

An MSP who wants the sport banned claims current laws have failed to properly protect racing dogs, though the sport’s governors claim a ban will only increase the risks.

“Pet owners will also be upset to learn that they are accidentally polluting our rivers by using these products” – research supervisor Dave Goulson.

Update issued on the breed type involved in a fatal attack on an elderly woman in the county last weekend, following extensive examinations.

Representative of the welfare charity took their call for new laws to the Welsh parliament in Cardiff.

Future medicine supplies, work to eradicate bTB and animal welfare policy reform are among the priorities outlined following the restoration of the Stormont executive.

A senior VMD leader said the agency will need to be ”ready” to respond to pharmaceutical developments as the number of animals infected in the present outbreak rose to 85.

Proposed new measures will provide greater protections for farmed animals, says association president.

Bosses say the new facility will play a key role in training once a new course for VNs gets underway.

More needs to be done to explain the wider benefits of veterinary and animal wellness sector work, an industry forum was told.

Discussion, held as part of the annual SPVS Congress in Birmingham, also heard calls for the development of a framework to aid appropriate deployment of the technology.

Rising costs and new work streams have been highlighted as reasons for the proposal, which is currently awaiting final Government backing.