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FSA issues update on feline pancytopenia
A number of dry cat food samples were recently recalled over a potential link to feline pancytopenia.
Investigation finds mycotoxins in recalled cat food samples

Researchers investigating a rise in feline pancytopenia cases in the UK have identified the presence of mycotoxins in several recalled dry cat food samples.

A joint statement issued on Friday (16 July) by the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland, reads: “The presence of mycotoxins has been identified in a small number of samples of the recalled cat food tested to date. Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced by certain moulds.

“Mycotoxins are widely found in some types of feed and food and do not, in themselves, indicate they are the cause of feline pancytopenia. The business, FSA and other regulators continue to investigate including undertaking wider sampling and also broader screening for any possible toxins.”

Feline Pancytopenia is a rare condition in which the number of red and white blood cells decrease rapidly, leading to serious illness.

Pets at Home, Applaws and Sainsbury’s recently recalled several dry cat food products after researchers at the RVC identified a potential link to the disease. A full list of the affected products is avilable on the FSA website.

According to the latest update from the RVC, a total of 506 cats are now known to have contracted feline pancytopenia, with a mortality rate of 62.5 per cent. The figures are based on cases treated in RVC’s hospitals and information provided by a small number of vets across the UK.  

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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.