Vetfit is hosting a virtual CPD event to 'Raise the Bar' for mental health and physical wellbeing in the veterinary professions.

The event is Vetfit's first event, and will be held on 17 September 2021. In collaboration with WellVet, Vetfit will offer a variety of online sessions, including a session on how to exercise in practice with limited time and equipment.

Other panels and workshops will include mindset and forming habits, leadership and mentorship, goal setting and journaling , and long term support.

Tickets and more information on the event are available here.

More than 480 cats in the UK are now known to have contracted feline pancytopenia.

In its latest update, the RVC said that it is aware of 480 cases of the condition, with a 63.4 per cent mortality rate at the time of reporting. The figures are based on cases treated in RVC's hospitals and information provided by a small number of vets across the UK.

The RVC notes that the data probably only represents a percentage of cases, as many cats may not be presented to a veterinary practice and/or investigated by a vet.

Veterinary professionals are encouraged to log suspected cases via RVC's online survey.

The Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) has announced that its 2021 virtual conference is now open for registration.

Bringing together expert speaks from the UK and overseas, the event provides a key opportunity for delegates to discover the current state of research and practice in animal-assisted interventions and how they might be more closely integrated.

Speakers will address three main client groups: children, older people, and those with mental health problems. There will also be a panel discussion chaired by Emeritus Professor Marie-Jose Enders-Slegers looking at the integration of research and practice.

There's less than a week left to complete Dogs Trust's interactive survey that aims to improve understanding of dog behaviour. Closing on Wednesday, 9 June, the Public Perceptions of Dog Behaviour & Emotion survey uses videos to gauge whether you can tell a happy dog from a worried one.

Dogs Trust will use the findings to help build a better understanding of dog behaviour for all in the future. Dr Lauren Samet, canine behaviour research officer at Dogs Trust, said: "Whether you own a dog or not, your views are equally important. Men are also really underrepresented in surveys like this, so we're making a special appeal to them to take part."

The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) is holding a photo competition for Mental Health Awareness Week to highlight the link between the natural world and wellbeing.

Mental Health Awareness Week (10-16 May) aims to encourage people to talk about their mental health and reduce the stigma that can prevent people from seeking help. This year's theme is nature - notably the connection between the natural world and better mental health.

The RCVS is calling on aspiring photographers to submit a photo on this theme to Lisa Quigley, Mind Matters manager, at l.quigley@rcvs.org.uk with a short explanation about their submission and why nature improves their mental health and wellbeing.

Vets, veterinary nurses and RAMAs are being invited to join a free CPD webinar on late winter and early spring equine worm control.

Hosted by Zoetis vet Dr Wendy Talbot, the webinar aims to help prescribers understand which parasites are of most concern at this time of year. It will also cover how to assess parasite risk, selecting a suitable wormer and spring wormer plans, concluding with a Q&A session.

The webinar takes place on Thursday, 18 March at 10 am and will be repeated at 7 pm for those unable to listen during the day. To book the 10 am webinar, click here, and to register for the 7 pm webinar, click here.