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RSPCA launches appeal after suspected chicken poisonings
The allotment holder suspects the deaths may be due to corn feed contaminated with poison.
Chickens found having been frothing from the mouth 

An appeal for information has been launched by the RSPCA after multiple chickens were found dead on an allotment in Wales.

RSPCA Cymru said the allotment holder arrived at the site in Brithdir to find 30 chickens dead, some of which were his own. The chickens has been frothing from their mouths and had blood on their combs, suggesting they had been poisoned.

In light of these events, the RSPCA is now calling on anyone in the area with information to contact their inspectorate appeal line. The allotment holder suspects the deaths may be due to corn feed contaminated with poison.

“Clearly, the death of these poor birds is highly suspicious and disturbing – and we fear the chickens would have suffered immeasurably by any poisoning,” said RSPCA inspector David Milborrow.
 
“There is strong evidence to suggest any poisoning was a deliberate act - and we are calling on the local community to come forward with any information they may have.”

Anybody with information is encouraged to contact the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018. 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.