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.

Zoetis UK has apologised for a supply shortage of Equip Artervac, caused by a manufacturing issue.

It is expected to become available in June 2025.

Equip Artervac is used for the active immunisation for horses against equine viral arteritis (EVA) to reduce the clinical signs and shedding of the virus.

For more information, contact a Zoetis account manager or Zoetis Head Office on 0345 300 8034.

A set of international guidelines for disease surveillance in wildlife has been updated for the first time since 2015.

Released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the World Organisation for Animal Health, General Guidelines for Surveillance of Diseases, Pathogens and Toxic Agents in Free-ranging Wildlife is designed to help wildlife authorities and others working with wildlife carry out effective surveillance programmes.

The document, which cover areas including choosing appropriate strategies, safety and biosafety protocols, and ethical and legal considerations, can be read here.

Central Qualifications (CQ) is to host a stand at this year's BVNA Congress. The awarding body will be at Stand C9 from 11-13 October.

It will discuss changes to the qualifications strategy and some new qualifications, including a top-up course for equine veterinary care, so qualified veterinary nurses can broaden their skills.

Rachael Shepherd, education consultant at CQ, said: "We are looking forward to attending BVNA Congress this year. There are exciting times ahead, with a revamp to the VN qualifications and assessment strategy and the introduction of some new qualifications."

The RSPCA has revealed that it can take three times longer to rehome black cats compared to other cats.

In figures released for Black Cat Appreciation Day (17 August), the charity revealed that it takes an average of 29 days to rehome a black cat. In comparison, it only takes an average of nine days for a grey tabby cat to find a new home.

Dominika Jagoda, RSPCA pet welfare expert, said: "Whether people consider them to be unlucky or think they don't look good in photos, the truth is that black cats won't bring you bad luck - but they do need forever homes! The colour of an animal's fur makes no difference to how much love they have to give."

NOAH has elected its board team, as part of its annual general meeting.

Ned Flaxman, general manager at Norbrook Laboratories Ltd, retains his position as chair, which he has held since June 2023.

Caitrina Oakes (Vetoquinol) remains past chair, and Matthew Frost (Elanco) remains treasurer.

Andrew Buglass (Eco Animal Health Ltd), Oya Canbas (Zoetis) and Charlotte Covell (Virbac) are newly elected vice-chairs. Meanwhile Roy Geary (Ceva) and John Toole (Beaphar) join the NOAH Board of Management.

Dawn Howard, NOAH chief executive, said: "I congratulate all the officers and board members who have been elected or re-elected today.

"I look forward to working together to ensure that NOAH continues to deliver at the highest standard for its members."