Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 29th March 2018
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Fumes from a fish tank hospitalise 10
Chemicals were released from coral in the tank whilst it was being cleaned.
Chemical released from coral inside the tank

Fumes from a fish tank in Oxfordshire left 10 people in hospital on Monday evening.

According to BBC News, the chemicals were released from coral in the tank whilst it was being cleaned. An emergency response unit, including a hazardous area response team, attended the incident.

Scientist Dr Mike Leahy, who was in the area at the time, said on Twitter that the incident was likely to have been caused by “palytoxin” - one of the deadliest naturally occurring toxins in the world.

"In the main, they're absolutely harmless but sometimes if you stress certain types of coral, they can produce a toxin," he told the BBC.

Four firefighters and six family members were taken to hospital. A further three family members remained in hospital overnight after suffering eye irritation and contracting “flu-like symptoms”.

Firefighters in full body suits also removed two dogs from the house whilst the remaining coral was dealt with.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.