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EVAC webinar 2020 now available to view online
Colistin is a Gram-negative antibiotic widely used in pig and poultry medicine.

Speakers discuss colistin use and the impact of a potential ban

Recordings from the European Veterinary Antibiotics Conference (EVAC) 2020 are now available to view online.

This year's conference focused on the use of colistin and featured presentations from pharmacological, clinical and epidemiological specialists on the topic.

Speakers at EVAC 2020 discussed the use of colistin and the rising fears from veterinary professionals over a potential ban on the antibiotic. This ban could, according to the speakers, have a major negative impact on animal health and welfare – as well as public health.

Xavier Chatenet, a veterinary surgeon specialising in poultry health, spoke about the lack of alternatives to colistin for the group treatment of poultry. He argued that colistin is an essential veterinary product which, if banned, could lead to greater resistance problems with the alternatives.

Dr Pascal Richez, European specialist in veterinary pharmacology and toxicology, was next to speak. Focusing on misconceptions surrounding antibiotic resistance and the importance of clinical breakpoints to help clinicians determine if a pathogen is likely to respond to treatment.

The webinar concluded with a discussion of the use of colistin in human health care, led by Dr Boudewijn Catry, epidemiologist and head of the Belgian service for healthcare-associated infections & antimicrobial resistance. He confirmed that 'the need to be concerned for colistin resistance in public health care is very low’ adding that, in human medicine, many alternatives are coming on the market.

Highlights of the EVAC webinar can be viewed here.

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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.