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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 10th April 2013
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Antibiotic use discussed
Vets and preventing resistance

 At the recent BSAVA Congress, Ian Battersby discussed antibiotic resistance, and what can be done to slow down the process.

In his lecture - "Rational use of antibiotics" - he addressed the much-debated subject of resistance, and the responsibilities of the vet.

Addressing a busy lecture hall at the ICC in Birmingham, he said: "We are not in a crisis at the moment…there is a window to slow [resistance] down," in which the vet plays an important role.

Mr Battersby explained the risks of creating "a positive selection process for resistant bacteria." This, he added, occurs when multiple types of bacteria are unintentionally killed, thereby potentially allowing resistant bacteria to dominate.

In addressing this risk, he spoke of the importance of a practice infection control policy to monitor bugs effectively. The PROTECT poster, he says, is a useful tool for practices in achieving this.

Mr Battersby warned against using antibiotics "just in case" or as a substitute for proper hygiene practices during surgery. Using post-operative antibiotics, he added, is only appropriate in a few medical situations, and increases the risk of post-operative infection and multi-resistant bacteria.

Vets in practice, he said, should ask themselves at all times "am I using this drug appropriately?" By using topical antimicrobials where suitable, he added, it is possible to avoid accidental treatment of bowel bacteria, and as they enter the blood stream these can even work on resistant bacteria.

Developments in the treatment of human urinary tract infections (UTI) could be transferred to the veterinary industry, Mr Battersby continued. It was found that antibiotic courses for treating human UTIs could be reduced from 5-10 days to just 3 days with no detrimental effect.

Mr Battersby concluded his talk by saying that contrary to the opinions of some, antibiotic resistance is not inevitable, and vets have a significant role in slowing the process in time for the development of new drugs.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.