Laura Macfarlane has stepped up to a new senior role at North Downs Specialist Referrals, where she has been a familiar face for the past seven years.

A special session examining common emergency cases and how to handle them is on the agenda at the Birmingham event next month.

A new assessment has reduced the risk posed by the virus to “medium”, though keepers will still be required to maintain enhanced biosecurity measures once current housing requirements end next week.

Three senior appointments have already been announced for the 36,000 sq ft facility, which bosses say will be able to provide care for up to 10,000 pets a year.

The BVA president says new plans recognise the role of border controls in protecting biosecurity, but ministers must ensure the measures work for all sectors.

Analysis commissioned by the Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock has called for broader communication and co-operation on the virus, and researchers say the vet sector has a critical role.

Malcolm Morley has warned the profession to “get its house in order” after new figures showed several firms have huge discrepancies in median pay.

New requirements will be enforced from start of June, but officials say good work is already being done.

A Zimbabwe-born vet has swapped the Republic of Ireland for the north-west of England as she pursues her passion for neurology.

The York-based firm has acquired three more practice groups, doubling its presence in the republic.

Vets were forced to remove both of two-year-old Stan’s eyes, which ruptured after the incident, but he is now recovering at home after multiple operations.

The Government has dismissed fears the bill could be scrapped or watered down, despite a former secretary of state joining veterinary and charity leaders in expressing doubts about its future. 

The scheme, led by Dogs Trust and the British Veterinary Behaviour Association, is intended to offer guidance for all members of the practice team following its official launch at BSAVA Congress.

The extended link-up is set to herald the development of a new veterinary medicine degree, the first to be offered in Singapore.

Questions of sport, training and animal importation will be on the agenda at the NEC in May.

Veterinary professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the sector will be recognised at the organisation’s annual congress in Portugal this autumn.

A new video has been released in support of continent-wide efforts to promote equality, diversity and inclusion in the veterinary sector.

Former BVA and BCVA leader hailed as one of the “true greats” of the veterinary profession as news of his death is confirmed.

Dogs Trust veterinary director Paula Boyden suggested dedicated reference laboratories may help to improve protection against the disease – with delegates warned true scale in UK is unclear.

Entries are now open for a new award that seeks to recognise the best UK vet students who are planning to go into farm practice – but time is running out to take part.

The first group of vets to take part in a programme that aims to support GP career development have started their training, with more expected to follow soon.

Two young kittens are being treated for cat flu after they were found abandoned in Warwickshire.

The college’s designated new president and treasurer have been named, but the election for another senior role is on hold.

The initiative comes amid growing concern about the environmental impact of parasiticides, although the company says it does advise owners on how to use them safely.

The TV personality, well known for his association with the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, died “unexpectedly” yesterday, aged 67.

Progressive Veterinary Association says it remains uneasy both about the basis of the new guidance, which is due to be implemented from 1 September, and its potential effects.

An RCVS disciplinary committee was “not satisfied” the cases fell sufficiently below required standards to justify the designation.