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Cat food recalled over link to pancytopenia
"We have seen now ten cats with severe pancytopenia in the last four weeks" - Dr Barbara Glanemann, RVC.
Concerned owners are being urged to seek veterinary assistance.

Pets at Home, Applaws and Sainsbury’s are recalling a number of dry cat food products over a possible link to a rare and fatal disease of felines.

Owners that have bought the products, manufactured by Fold Hill Foods, are being urged to stop feeding them to their cats and to return them to the store in which they were purchased. 

The Food Standards Agency and Fold Hill Foods state the products could be linked to a spike in cases of pancytopenia, as reported by the RVC earlier this month.

Dr Barbara Glanemann, a senior lecturer in transfusion medicine and Emergency Critical Care at the RVC, said: “Typically, we may see one case of this per year, but we have seen now ten cats with severe pancytopenia in the last four weeks. 

“Most have had severe generalised bone marrow hypo- to aplasia. Some cats have presented at the same time from the same household. Given the rarity of this condition, the clustering of these cases is concerning.”

A full list of the affected products is available on the Fold Hill Foods website. The Food Standards Agency said notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling these products to explain why the products are being recalled. 

It has also advised cat owners concerned about the health of their pet to seek immediate advice from their vet. 

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New RCVS Academy courses to remove barriers in vet care

News Story 1
 The RCVS Academy has launched two courses to its new client support series, as it seeks to improve accessibility in veterinary settings.

The courses will help professionals to support assistance dog partnerships and clients with hearing loss.

The Hearing loss and Assistance dogs courses saw RCVS project lead Catherine Hemingway collaborate with the British Deaf Association and Assistance Dogs UK. Vets will gain practical guidance on supporting clients with additional needs.

Each course takes an hour to complete, and can be accessed by RCVS registrants for free. 

Click here for more...
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APHA launches free virtual work experience programme

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in collaboration with Springpod, has launched a free virtual work experience programme, giving young people across the UK the chance to explore careers dedicated to protecting animal and plant health.

The on-demand programme offers a unique insight into career opportunities within APHA, showcasing how students can contribute to tackling some of the UK's most critical biosecurity and environmental challenges.

Designed for students aged 13 and over, the course includes more than 10 hours of engaging content featuring real-life industry insights, scenario-based challenges, and practical guidance on applying for jobs. To register for the course, visit the APHA website.