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Antibiotic sales drop by 15 per cent
pill
Public health authorities across the globe are facing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
New report could indicate growing awareness of resistance

Sales of veterinary antibiotics fell by 15 per cent between 2010 and 2012, according to a new report by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

David Mackay, head of EMA's veterinary medicines division said the findings are "highly welcome", however further research is needed to determine the main reasons behind the decline.

Data was provided by 20 European countries over a period of two years. Of these, 18 reported a fall in sales of veterinary antibiotics, ranging from 0.4 per cent to 49 per cent.

While the figures have been welcomed by the EMA, Mr Mackay said there is scope for further declines.

"Measures to promote the rational use of antibiotics in animals need to continue as part of the European Commission's action plan against antimicrobial resistance."

Member states attribute the decline to a number of different factors, including increased awareness of antimicrobial resistance, restrictions on certain drugs and national programmes and campaigns on using antimicrobials responsibly.

Also cited were fluctuations in the size and types of animal populations and reduction targets for the use of antimicrobials in animal production in certain member states.

Data on sales of antimicrobials is collected annually as part of a project by the European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption, which launched in 2010. Gathering information on the sale and use of antimicrobials is essential for informing policies on appropriate use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals.

Public health authorities across the globe are facing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. Earlier this year the Prime Minister commissioned an independent review to tackle the problem, warning: "If we fail to act, we are looking at an almost unthinkable scenario where antibiotics no longer work and we are cast back into the dark ages of medicine where treatable infections and injuries will kill once again... That simply cannot be allowed to happen."

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.