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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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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.