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Feline pancytopenia research fund launched
"We recognise the pain and upset this illness has caused" - Huw Stacey, director of clinical services, Pets at Home.
The Pets at Home Group is offering £100k to interested researchers. 

UK pet care business Pets at Home has announced a £100k research fund for feline pancytopenia, a rare bone marrow condition where the number of blood cells rapidly decrease.

The fund has been launched following an unusual spike in cases in 2021, which saw 565 cases between June and October. 

During the feline pancytopenia spike, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) opened an investigation, but a definitive cause was unable to be found. 

Pets at Home has committed to finding a long-term solution to the condition, and will use the fund to provide financial support to academics, institutions and researchers seeking to understand feline pancytopenia, identify causes and improve treatment options. 

Huw Stacey, director of clinical services at The Pets at Home Vet Group, said: “For us, pets come first and always will. 

“We supported the FSA’s investigation throughout but flagged at the time that we believed further research was required into this disease and its causes. As a result, we are launching this £100,000 fund to accelerate research into feline pancytopenia and improve understanding within this area.  

“We recognise the pain and upset that this illness has caused, and our hearts go out to all the families whose cats suffered during the pancytopenia outbreak last year.”

“We hope that this funding will facilitate important research and lead to an improved understanding of this disease, supporting vets in providing pets and their owners with the best possible care and minimising and informing responses to any future outbreaks,” added Dr Karen Humm, associate professor in Transfusion Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care at the Royal Veterinary College. 

The research fund is now open for applications until 31 May 2022, and any interested parties should contact pcpgrant@petsathome.co.uk for further information. 

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.