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New report sheds light on AMR bacteria in meat
The FSA says the risk of acquiring AMR-related infections is very low, assuming meat is cooked and handled correctly.
FSA study could inform future surveillance 

A new study has found antimicrobial resistance in a proportion of all types of bacteria examined in samples of chicken and pork.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) tested 339 samples of raw chicken and 342 samples of raw pork mince from UK retailers. The findings will help to inform future surveillance of AMR in these foods.

Overall, resistance to the most clinically important antibiotics was generally seen more often in chicken than pork.

Key findings
  • A quarter of chicken samples tested positive for Campylobacter, of which 40.6 per cent were resistant to ciprofloxacin, 46.5 per cent to nalidixic acid and 61.4 per cent to tetracycline.
  • E. coli was detected in 49 per cent of chicken and 4.7 per cent of pork.
  • ESBL-producing E. coli was found in 10 per cent of retail chicken and 4.7 per cent of pork.
  • Klebsiella was detected in 37 per cent of pork mince samples and 6.5 per cent of chicken.
  • Enterococci was isolated more frequently from chicken (53 per cent) than pork mince (30 per cent). Resistance was rare with just one per cent of isolates resistant to vancomycin.
  • Salmonella was detected in 1.5 per cent of pork mince samples. All four isolates of S typhimurium were from the same processing plant. All were resistant to ampicillin and tetracycline and one to chloramphenicol. All had reduced susceptibility to sulfamethoxazole. The fifth isolate was identified as a strain of S Derby and had reduced susceptibility to sulfamethoxazole.

However, the FSA says the risk of acquiring AMR-related infections is very low, assuming meat is cooked and handled correctly.

Commenting on the findings, Steve Wearne, director of food policy at FSA, said: “The emergence and spread of AMR poses a significant global threat both in terms of public health and economic impact and we are determined to play our part in addressing this threat…

“As well as reducing antibiotic use on farms we also need to understand the role that food plays in AMR and we are working with the Quadram Institute in Norwich to understand how resistance arises and how resistant bacteria survive and are transmitted through the food chain.

"I am pleased that the food industry is also taking its stewardship role very seriously and is taking action on the O’Neill recommendations.”

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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.