Mark Cummings from BBC Radio Gloucester and his lurcher Tyler will be leading a charity dog walk on Sunday, October 26 at the Bathurst Estate, Cirencester.

Dog owners will get a unique opportunity to walk their canine companions in the stunning grounds of Cirencester Park, all to raise funds and awareness for PetSavers - an animal charity that helps treat pet diseases.

Mark said: "I am delighted to be able to support the first ever charity dog walk run by PetSavers to raise money and awareness for animal health. I urge everyone to don their wellies and take part in this fundraising charity dog walk in aid of PetSavers to both support and highlight the fantastic work they continue to do."

To download a registration form visit www.petsavers.org.uk

A second nurse has tested positive for Ebola, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed yesterday (October 15).

The nurse, revealed to be Amber Vinson, treated the late Thomas Eric Duncan - the first person in the US to develop Ebola - at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital.

According to media reports, investigations are being carried out to determine how the nurse was allowed to fly on a plane after becoming infected while treating a patient. Health officials are attempting to track down 132 people who flew on the plane with Ms Vinson.

BBC News reported that Thomas Frieden, CDC director, said the nurse should not have been allowed to travel on a commercial flight. Meanwhile another health official said Ms Vinson was permitted to fly because her temperature was only mildly elevated, according to the New York Times.

The Ebola epidemic has so far killed around 4,500 people.

(Image credit: Dr. Frederick A. Murphy/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Public Health Image Library/Wikipedia)

Veterinary surgeon Janey Lowes from Westway Veterinary Group is taking a year's sabbatical and heading to Sri Lanka. Whilst there, she will help to tackle the country's stray dog problem and launch a new charity, WECare.

WECare was set up by Westway in partnership with Embark, a Sri Lankan campaign to improve the lives of stray dogs whilst controlling the population and preventing rabies. WECare's founding member Janey says: "WECare are going to save the world, one animal at a time!"

To date, Embark have succeeded in neutering close to 10,000 dogs, vaccinating 25,000 and rehoming nearly 2,000 puppies. WEcare will assist in this campaign and provide veterinary care to sick or injured animals.

When Janey travelled to Bali two years ago, she was shocked by the condition of the stray dogs there. She plans to set up a mobile clinic and run a mass neutering and vaccination campaign in Sri Lanka. Westway vets and nurses will travel to the country to assist with the campaign. WECare will initially focus on Sri Lanka's one million stray dogs, but the long-term aim is to roll out veterinary services across the globe.

Find out more and keep up to date on WECare's work through its Facebook page.

British vets have been honoured for their contributions to veterinary medicine at an awards ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa.

At its World Congress this month, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) presented Dr Michael Herrtage with the International Award for Scientific Achievement. Dr Herrtage is a professor of small animal medicine at Cambridge Veterinary School. The award recognises his considerable contributions to small animal internal medicine, particularly endocrinology.

Scottish veterinary surgeon Dr Lawson Cairns was awarded the WSAVA's Global Meritorious Service Award. Dr Cairns has run a veterinary practice near Durban in South Africa for the past 40 years. His award recognises his work to raise standards of CPD across the African continent.

WSAVA president, Professor Colin Burrows, said: "We aim to encourage excellence in small animal practice, showcasing the ground-breaking work being done by our colleagues around the world to raise standards of global veterinary care. We congratulate this year's worthy winners on their great contribution, both to our profession and to the welfare of companion animals worldwide."

(Image: Dr Herrtage receiving his award from Prof Burrows.)

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association is marking World Rabies Day on September 28 by promoting the need for improved awareness among the public and the veterinary profession.

While the most devastating impact is seen on other continents, cases of the disease have been seen recently in Europe. There are also concerns that the illegal importation of dogs may pose a threat to the UK's rabies-free status.

BSAVA president Katie McConnell said: "We would encourage veterinary practices to contact their local authority to ensure that they know how to report suspected cases before the need arises. Veterinary surgeons need to remain vigilant for pets exhibiting clinical signs that might fit within the rabies spectrum, especially if there is a recent history of travel abroad."

For further details visit www.rabiesalliance.org

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in Old Windsor is celebrating 35 years of rescuing and rehoming thousands of dogs and cats in Surrey and Berkshire by holding a garden tea party for local animal lovers.

The event on Saturday 20 September marks 35 years since Battersea took over Bell Mead Boarding and Grooming Kennels in 1979.

Kaye Mughal, Battersea Old Windsor's centre manager, said: "I feel privileged to work for Battersea at Old Windsor and proud that we have helped so many animals over the last 35 years. We have seen our fair share of desperate cases in need of help, and found thousands of dogs and cats new homes to call their own."

The event runs from 12pm to 4pm and will include tea, cakes and games for all the family. For more information visit www.battersea.org.uk/oldwindsor