The number of animals being rescued from floods has doubled in just three days, according to the RSPCA. As storms continue to batter Britain, the charity says it rescued nearly 400 animals between February 10 and 13. A number of unusual rescues have also been reported, including the rescue of 40 fish and, in another incident, three chinchillas from a flooded garage.

In total, the charity's flood teams have helped 586 animals since January, 386 of which were rescued in just three days. Labour leader Ed Miliband reportedly praised the efforts as he attended a rescue scene in Wraysbury.

The RSPCA is appealing for help finding temporary homes for a group of 10 ponies affected by the weather in Hereford. Anyone able to help can contact the inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

A new symposium on veterinary wound management and antimicrobial resistance will be held at this year's European Wound Management Association (EWMA) Conference.

Taking place in Madrid, the symposium focuses on wound care from a One Health perspective, identifying links between veterinary and human research and management.

The aim is to encourage the sharing of knowledge between scientists, public health professionals and experts in veterinary and human wound management.

The symposium takes place on Wednesday, May 14 between 1pm and 6pm at the EWMA Conference in Madrid. Visit the EWMA website for further information about registering.

The trade organisation representing one of the biggest importers of legal wild animals into the UK, is backing a Government campaign to stop illegal trafficking.

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) will be attending the Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade, in London next week, to highlight the environmental and financial benefits legal trade can have on remote overseas communities as well as the UK economy.

"I'm very pleased that our industry, which is involved in the legitimate trade of wild caught marine and tropical freshwater fish, invertebrates and corals, has been invited to this high profile event," said OATA chief executive Keith Davenport.

"Not all wild caught animal trade is illegal. Our industry is one of the biggest importers of wild caught animals into the UK but this trade is perfectly legitimate and, importantly, brings a sustainable source of income that also contributes to protecting the environment for some of the world's remotest communities - trade not aid if you like. And let's not forget the financial, health and employment benefits our industry brings to the UK as well.

"We hope this message isn't lost in the midst of this very important conference which will undoubtedly shine a light on this high profile issue to protect elephants, rhinos and tigers to avoid their extinction.

We of course support this position and we support all action against wildlife crime. Indeed we've played our part in helping authorities tackle illegal activities within our own industry, such as smuggling endangered corals and clams.

"This type of illegal activity which ignores the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has no part in our industry and undermines the legal trade in wild caught species that support hundreds of thousands of honestly pursued livelihoods in some of the remotest parts of the world.

We welcome a robust enforcement of CITES regulations but we need to be careful that criminal activity should not stop the pursuit of the legitimate trade of wild caught animals."

Industry and hobbyists are encouraged to show their support for the government campaign by signing up for the online thunderclap when the conference launches on Thursday. thunderclap

The Government position, which OATA supports, can be found here

Equine worming product Equest Pramox has now been licensed for use in breeding, pregnant and lactating mares, as it has been shown not to adversely affect fertility.

The oral gel, which is produced by animal health company Zoetis, contains moxidectin and praziquantel for control of all three species of tapeworm, roundworm and bots.

Equest Pramox and Equest are the only equine wormers containing moxidectin, which the company says provides comprehensive worm control and a 13-week recommended dosing interval - the longest interval of any equine wormer currently available.

A US-based pet food company has recalled 20lb bags of its Red Flannel Cat Formula food due to possible salmonella contamination.

PMI Nutrition LLC says there have been no reports to date of illness relating to the product. The recall has been prompted after the potential contamination was identified during routine testing by the FDA Detroit District Office.

As well as affecting animals that have eaten the product, the company says there is also a risk to humans who have handled the food, particularly if they have not washed their hands afterwards.

Members of the public whose pets have consumed the recalled product are advised to contact their veterinary practice.

Click here for further information.

Famous busker and author of best seller A Street Cat Named Bob, James Bowen has called for an end to scientific experimentation on cats and dogs. After penning the story of his life with ginger cat Bob, James and his feline companion shot to fame. The author has joined the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection in its Our Best Friends campaign, which is urging the government to ban experiments on dogs and cats. James and Bob met and became inseparable after the formerly stray cat turned up injured on James' doorstep, while he was recovering from drug addiction. The book, which has sold over a million copies and been translated into 29 languages, is a tribute to the bond that forms between the duo.