Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 25th March 2024
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Farm vets offered antimicrobial stewardship support
Reported antibiotics data currently represents only 28 per cent of the dairy sector.
It will increase data collection on antimicrobial use.

RCVS Knowledge is to offer additional support to beef, sheep and dairy veterinary surgeons, to help the sector with antimicrobial stewardship.

The Medicine Hub provides an online tool for veterinary surgeons to compare their medicine use, in an effort to improve data collection and tackle antibiotic resistance.

However, the reported data on the service for ruminant sectors is low. It currently represents 28 per cent of the dairy sector and nine per cent of the sheep sectors.

RCVS Knowledge has said that it will collaborate with the red meat and dairy sectors as well as the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, which developed the Medicine Hub, to support individual veterinary professionals with antimicrobial stewardship.

The charity is working with its Farm Vet Champions community, which it formed as part of its goal to implement practical changes across the profession. The collaboration will see them provide tailored support for farm veterinary surgeons and their practice teams, including one-to-one consultation and in-person workshops.

Farm Vet Champions will be encouraged to set SMART goals – which are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound – to improve their antimicrobial stewardship credentials and fill data gaps.

They will also guide their teams to work with clients to upload farm level data to the Medicine Hub.

It is hoped that these actions will support the sectors to close the gap on targets set by the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture (RUMA). RUMA has targeted the sector with reporting 2024 data for 8,000 sheep flocks, 8,000 beef herds and 95 per cent of the dairy industry.

The project has been funded by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, which RCVS Knowledge says will allow them to reach more farm veterinary surgeons and their teams.

Fiona Lovatt, RCVS Knowledge Clinical Lead for Medicines, said: “I am so encouraged every time I have a conversation with an individual vet or a group of practice team members about how they are engaging with their farm clients.

“This is not just a project about data and figures, it is about conversations, relationships, healthy animals, and good practice. It is about doing the right thing, about the reputation of the red meat and dairy sectors, and the reputation of the farm veterinary professions.”

There is free CPD available on the Farm Vet Champions platform, or you can contact RCVS Knowledge for tailored support.

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.