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Fumes from a fish tank hospitalise 10
Chemicals were released from coral in the tank whilst it was being cleaned.
Chemical released from coral inside the tank

Fumes from a fish tank in Oxfordshire left 10 people in hospital on Monday evening.

According to BBC News, the chemicals were released from coral in the tank whilst it was being cleaned. An emergency response unit, including a hazardous area response team, attended the incident.

Scientist Dr Mike Leahy, who was in the area at the time, said on Twitter that the incident was likely to have been caused by “palytoxin” - one of the deadliest naturally occurring toxins in the world.

"In the main, they're absolutely harmless but sometimes if you stress certain types of coral, they can produce a toxin," he told the BBC.

Four firefighters and six family members were taken to hospital. A further three family members remained in hospital overnight after suffering eye irritation and contracting “flu-like symptoms”.

Firefighters in full body suits also removed two dogs from the house whilst the remaining coral was dealt with.

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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

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News Shorts
CMA to host webinar exploring provisional decisions

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is to host a webinar for veterinary professionals to explain the details of its provisional decisions, released on 15 October 2025.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Officials will discuss the changes which those in practice may need to make if the provisional remedies go ahead. They will also share what happens next with the investigation.

The CMA will be answering questions from the main parties of the investigation, as well as other questions submitted ahead of the webinar.

Attendees can register here before Wednesday, 29 October at 11am. Questions must be submitted before 10am on 27 October.

A recording of the webinar will be accessible after the event.