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Safety concerns over fenbendazole in pigeons
Fenbendazole has a low margin of safety for pigeons and overdose is likely have severe consequences.
Drug can no longer be used in pigeons under Schedule 6  

The anthelmintic drug fenbendazole can no longer be used in pigeons under Schedule 6 of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations, the VMD has announced.

Peer-reviewed research has indicated that fenbendazole has a low margin of safety for pigeons and overdose is likely have severe consequences. These include low white blood cell count, damage to the rapidly dividing cells of the crop and small intestinal epithelium and, ultimately, death.

As a result the VMD has concluded that fenbendazole must only be used in pigeons under the direction of a veterinary surgeon and should no longer be exempt from the provisions of Schedule 6.

From 15 July 2019, fenbendazole products that list pigeons as the only target species must cease to be manufactured. Products that target a number of species must no longer list pigeons as a target species in the product literature.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.