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Food watchdog testing meats for AMR
meat
Veterinary organisations said AMR is a global issue for both humans and animals, but the agricultural use of antibiotics is "just one piece of the jigsaw".
Results to be published shortly
 
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said it is currently testing meats and other produce for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and will publish results soon.

The news follows a recent study which found high levels of antibiotic resistant E. coli bacteria in pork and poultry samples from UK supermarkets.

Researchers from Cambridge University tested 189 samples of UK origin from the seven leading supermarkets.

Almost a quarter were positive for ESBL E.coli, which is resistant to critically important modern cephalosporins, while over half of the E. coli found on samples were resistant to trimethoprim. In addition, 19 per cent of the E. coli were resistant to gentamicin.

An FSA spokesperson said: "AMR is a significant threat to public health in the future and consumer safety is a priority for the FSA. Working with others across Government, and with food producers, we aim to reduce the use of antimicrobials in food production animals.

"An important part of that will be work with food manufacturers, assurance schemes and retailers to develop standards for the responsible use of antibiotics in poultry, pig and dairy sectors."

Responding to the study, veterinary organisations said AMR is a global issue for both humans and animals, but the agricultural use of antibiotics is "just one piece of the jigsaw".

A joint statement from the BVA, British Veterinary Poultry Association and Pig Veterinary Society called for greater collaboration between health sectors to preserve essential drugs for the future generations.

'The veterinary profession recognises that antimicrobial resistance is a global problem for both humans and animals, so is working hard with companion animal owners, livestock farmers and other species stakeholders to promote the responsible use of antibiotics.

'Antimicrobials are crucial for the maintenance of animal health and welfare, and there are many innovative and important developments happening in the poultry, pig and other sectors to promote good practice for antibiotic use in animals, and to explore alternative measures. It is essential that we learn from and share this best practice across the UK and beyond.'

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FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk