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RUMA defends veterinary use of antibiotics
cow
It's critical that potential impacts on welfare, food safety, product quality and investment are fully understood by the businesses involved.
Investors urge food companies to stop suppliers using critical drugs

Non-profit group RUMA has defended the use of antibiotics in farming, after recent reports that a group of investors contacted food companies, urging them to 'stop their meat and poultry suppliers using antibiotics vital for human health'.

RUMA (Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance), said that whilst it welcomes food companies and suppliers working together to reduce the need for antibiotics in farm animals, it is vital that the potential impacts are understood.

'The concept that food companies work sustainably with their supply chains to reduce the need for antibiotics is welcomed by RUMA; this is already happening.

'However, it's critical that potential impacts on welfare, food safety, product quality and investment are fully understood by the businesses involved, so that farmers have the confidence, means and support to make any necessary changes.'

Equally, the group said it is important the issue is not exploited as a 'marketing tool'.

'There is a risk that misrepresentation of the facts and a failure to appreciate the situation in different countries could end up harming welfare, cause unnecessary suffering and lead to significant losses in our farm livestock sector.'

It is reported that 70 per cent of antibiotics in the US may be used to tackle disease challenges, whereas in the UK the figure is only 40 per cent. Public Health England figures show that the medical use of antibiotics is in fact 2.4 times higher than that of veterinary.

'Furthermore, use of antibiotics as growth promotors has been banned in the EU since 2006; antibiotics are only available in the UK on prescription from vets; and the industry has already opted for restrictions to use a number of antibiotics classed as critically important for human health, such as third and fourth generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and colistin, only when truly necessary.'

 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.