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US pet food recalled following deaths of 70 dogs
"Multiple product samples were tested...and found to contain very high levels of aflatoxins." - FDA statement.

Tests revealed 'very high levels' of aflatoxins in recalled food

Pet food manufacturer, Midwestern Pet Foods has recalled several of it's products following the deaths of more than 70 pets that ate the food.

The company initially announced a recall of certain products in it's Sportmix range in December 2020, after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received reports about 28 dogs that had died and eight that were ill after consuming the food.

In a statement the FDA said: “Multiple product samples were tested by the Missouri Department of Agriculture and found to contain very high levels of aflatoxins.”

Aflatoxins are toxins produced by the mould Aspergillus flavus, which can grow on corn and other grains used in pet food. At high levels, it can cause illness and even death in pets.

The recall was expanded this week after further deaths and cases of illness were reported. The recall now includes Sportmix, Pro Pac Originals, Splash, Sportstrail and Nunn Better dry dog and cat foods produced at Midwestern Pet Foods Oklahoma plant that have an expiration date on or before 9 July 2022.

“We continue a thorough review of our facilities and practices in full cooperation with FDA in an effort to better serve our customers and pet parents who put their trust in us.” The company said in a statement.

The FDA states that the number of pets affected is an approximate count as not all cases have been officially confirmed as aflatoxin poisoning through laboratory testing or veterinary record review.

It has issued an advisory to notify the US public about the potentially fatal levels of aflatoxins in Midwestern Pet Food products that may still be available.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.