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‘Significant’ changes in pig sector’s antibiotic use
The rate of reduction in 2016 is a reflection of the work between veterinary surgeons and farmers to make “courageous changes”.
Data shows fall in prescribed antibiotics in feed for young pigs

The amount of prescribed antibiotics administered in feed for young pigs has more than halved since 2014, according to data collected from the UK’s major feed compounders.

At the start of 2014, 37 per cent of all feed for young pigs contained a prescribed antibiotic, but by the end of 2016 this had fallen to 18 per cent.

Two thirds of the reduction took place last year, showing an increase in the pace of change, according to RUMA, who announced the findings.

Paul Toplis, who represents the Agriculture Industries Confederation (AIC), said while these figures cover just one area of the sector, antibiotic prescriptions dispensed through feed to young pigs represent a large proportion of use. The rate of reduction in 2016 is a reflection of the work between veterinary surgeons and farmers to make “courageous changes”, he added.

President of the Pig Veterinary Society, Susannah Williamson, stressed the importance of veterinary expertise in assessing disease risks and implementing appropriate methods of control. She said: “These need to be tailor-made to suit each individual farm and the effects monitored to ensure that initiatives to reduce antibiotic treatment also promote good pig health and welfare.”

Mr Toplis also noted that some of the reductions appear to have been made possible through the use of zinc oxide. When added to feed at medicinal levels it can protect the gut from E. coli bacteria, thereby reducing the need for antibiotics in pigs.

Commenting on the results, RUMA secretary John Fitzgerald said: “These data show there is a clear drive to use antibiotics more responsibly and to work alongside the human medical community in reducing, refining and replacing use of antibiotics globally – as well as building on the successful 10 per cent reduction in UK farm animal use in 2015.”

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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.