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Network launched to combat AMR in UK's agrifood system
The network is due to receive around £650,000 in funding.
The RVC and Vet Sustain are among the organisations taking part.

A new transdisciplinary project has been launched to improve understanding of how antimicrobial resistance (AMR) impacts the UK's agrifood system and to develop new ways to address the issue.

The newly established AMR in Agrifood Systems Transdisciplinary (AMAST) Network counts the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), Scotland's Rural College, and the University of Bristol among its leadership team.

The network's partners include the Animal and Plant Health Agency and Vet Sustain.

A series of interviews, workshops, and themed community meetings will be used to gather members' perspectives on the dangers of AMR, areas of opportunity that need to be prioritised, and where more research is needed.

The AMAST Network will receive approximately £650,000 over four years in funding from UK Research and Innovation, a public body sponsored by the government's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

It is one of eight new networks that have been launched to combine different research specialisms, bringing experts from different fields together to work on the problem of AMR.

Lucy Brunton, a senior lecturer and RVC lead for the AMAST Network, said: “This is a really exciting initiative.

“The collective strength of experience and expertise among the transdisciplinary community that we are building will help us to more fully understand the challenges and opportunities to control antimicrobial resistance in agrifood compartments, such as in farming and livestock environments.

“I am delighted to help lead this network in meaningful engagement between research, industry and policy to understand the challenges of antimicrobial resistance in our agri-food systems.”

Image © Shutterstock

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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.