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Pet Blood Bank freezes blood product prices
The charity works 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure blood products are available.
Fundraising means it will not be increasing its prices.

Pet Blood Bank UK is to freeze the prices of its blood products, after fundraising support enabled it to not increase its prices.

Donations have also meant that the charity can continue to subsidise costs of fresh frozen plasma, and provide free blood products to veterinary charities.

The price freeze is a result of fundraising that Pet Blood Bank UK has received throughout the year, including donations from veterinary practices, individuals and business across the country. The charity says that these donations help with the significant running costs involved with its work.

The cost of living crisis has also made affordable access to vital veterinary services a concern for many.

Pet Blood Bank UK was set up to provide a blood service for pets, advancing blood banking and transfusion medicine.

It runs blood donations sessions across the country, where owners can bring eligible pets to give blood. These donations are then transported to Loughborough, where it is separated into different products and stored ready for veterinary use.

The charity operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure that blood products are always available.

As well as supplying blood products, Pet Blood Bank UK also shares knowledge and offers free education to veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses. It works with veterinary professionals to protect high welfare standards for all pets.

Katrina Wilkinson, managing director of Pet Blood Bank UK, said: “Our hope is that as the charity continues to grow and we build our support, we will be able to continue making these lifesaving blood products as accessible as possible.

“A huge thank you to all our veterinary colleagues who support the charity and help us to make our mission possible.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

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News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.