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Scottish SPCA appeal for information after cat poisoning
The most common cause of cat poisoning is antifreeze.
Pet owners urged to be vigilant

A Scottish animal welfare charity is appealing for information after a cat was poisoned in North Lanarkshire.

The Scottish SPCA was alerted by a concerned owner whose cat had been taken ill in Caldercruix, Airdrie. The organisation is now urging owners be on their guard when letting their pets outside.

“We are concerned as the cat owner believes there have been a number of incidents in the area,” commented SPCA inspector Jack Marshall.  “Should this be the case there is likely a source of poison somewhere in the area and we want pet owners to be aware of the potential danger.”

Mr Marshall added that the most common cause of cat poisoning is antifreeze (ethylene glycol). The liquid is usually colourless and odourless, but it has a sweet taste that appeals to dogs in particular but cats will also inject it.

“By the time symptoms occur, such as vomiting, lethargy and, in the latter stages, head shaking and coma, it is normally too late to treat,” Mr Marchall continued. “Pet owners in the area should be vigilant when letting their cats out of the house, and should supervise their animals where possible.”

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

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First BTV-3 case of 2026/27 season confirmed

News Story 1
 Livestock keepers are being urged to stay vigilant for Bluetongue (BTV-3) following confirmation of the disease in a ewe. The case, confirmed in Staffordshire on 23 June 2026, represents the first confirmed case of infection this summer.

The APHA said: 'The risk of Bluetongue spreading has increased so we urge all livestock keepers in GB to familiarise themselves with the nation specific bluetongue control policies and movement requirements that currently apply.'  

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News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.