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Palm oil poisoning ongoing in Cornwall
Dog on beach
Vets in Truro say they saw daily cases of poisoning until three weeks ago.
Truro vets report daily cases of poisoning in dogs

Vets in Cornwall say they had been seeing daily cases of palm oil poisoning in dogs until recently but the problem is still ongoing.

Reports of a white substance washed up on beaches first began to appear in October when one dog died after ingesting it and two others became seriously ill. Shortly after this, this substance was identified as palm oil.

Cases of a white substance washed up on beaches have since been reported in Devon and Guernsey.

Chris Gardner of St Clements Vets in Truro says three weeks ago they were seeing a dogs on a daily basis that had ingested palm oil.

"It went quiet for a week or so until we had another dog two days ago," he adds. "It is possible that there were less dogs on the beaches due to poor weather, more awareness of the problem, or that the storms had moved the palm oil further down the beach to the quieter end, as there seems to be a lot of flotsam and jetsam there."

Each dog brought to St Clements Vets recovered after vomiting was induced with apomorphine and liquid charcoal administered.

Members of the public have been helping to clear up the beach, with some collecting boulders of around 60cm across.

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.