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RCVS Knowledge launches VetTeamAMR
An online equine event is being held on Tuesday, 6 June.
The initiative aims to give vet teams the knowledge and tools to combat AMR.

RCVS Knowledge has announced the launch of VetTeamAMR, which is an initiative to give veterinary teams the knowledge and tools to counter the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Free, evidence-based resources and tools will be offered via VetTeamAMR to support responsible antimicrobial use by equine, companion, and farm teams. 

To launch the initiative, RCVS Knowledge is hosting a series of free events, commencing on Tuesday, 6 June at 7pm. In this online event, the issue of AMR in equine medicine will be explored, and VetTeamAMR materials will be launched specifically for equine veterinary teams.

The initiative for equine teams will be introduced by Tim Mair, VetTeamAMR equine clinical lead at RCVS Knowledge. It includes a learning platform and free antimicrobial audit tool, which is designed to support continuous improvements in national antimicrobial stewardship efforts.

An event for companion and animal teams will take place on Tuesday, 20 June.

Part of VetTeamAMR, Farm Vet Champions was launched in 2021 and has successfully been supporting veterinary teams in the farm animal sector to improve antimicrobial stewardship.

AMR is a global issue that poses a threat to both humans and animals. VetTeamAMR is partly funded by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and sees veterinary teams and stakeholders from companion, equine and farm backgrounds collaborate to implement changes to combat AMR nationally.

Chris Gush, executive director at RCVS Knowledge said: “AMR is a hugely important issue for us at RCVS Knowledge and we are pleased to be able to provide veterinary teams with free tools and resources to support the responsible use of antimicrobials. 

“Antibiotics remain the primary treatment for potentially fatal bacterial infections. Yet inappropriate use of antibiotics has led to resistance that has created a global animal and human health emergency.

“With busy veterinary practices in mind, we have worked alongside veterinary experts to create accessible and user-friendly VetTeamAMR tools and resources and we encourage all UK veterinary practices to get involved.”

The equine VetTeamAMR event can be booked online.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.