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Urgent action needed to tackle disposal of antibiotics - UN
Once consumed, most antibiotic drugs are excreted un-metabolised, along with resistant bacteria, through urine and faeces.
Study finds release of drugs into the environment is driving AMR

‘Careless’ disposal of antibiotics could lead to the emergence of ‘ferocious superbugs’ by driving antimicrobial resistance, according to United Nations (UN) experts.

Previous research has linked AMR to the misuse of antibiotics in humans and agriculture, but little attention has been given to the role of the environment and pollution.

This year’s Frontiers Report, released at the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi, suggests the emergence and spread of AMR is being driven by antimicrobial compounds from homes, hospitals, pharmaceutical facilities and agricultural run-off being released into the environment; as well as direct contact between national bacterial communities and discharged resistant bacteria.

Once consumed, most antibiotic drugs are excreted un-metabolised, along with resistant bacteria, through urine and faeces, the report says.

Evidence also shows multi-drug resistant bacteria is prevalent in marine waters and sediments close to aquaculture, industry and municipal discharges.

“The warning here is truly frightening,” said Erik Solheim, chief of the UN Environment Programme. “We could be spurring the development of ferocious superbugs through ignorance and carelessness.”

Around 700,000 people die of resistant infections every year across the globe.

Mr Solheim continued: “This needs priority action right now, or else we run the risk of allowing resistance to occur through the back door, with potentially terrifying consequences.”

Solving the issue, according to the report, will involve tackling the use and disposal of antibiotics, as well as the release of antimicrobial drugs, contaminants and resistant bacteria into the environment.

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RCVS Knowledge appoints Veterinary Evidence editor-in-chief

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has welcomed Professor Peter Cockcroft as editor-in-chief for Veterinary Evidence.

A world-renowned expert in evidence-based veterinary medicine, Prof Cockcroft will lead the strategic development and editorial quality of the open-access journal. He was previously in the role from 2017-2020.

Katie Mantell, CEO of RCVS Knowledge, said: "We are excited about the extensive knowledge of evidence-based veterinary medicine and clinical veterinary research that Peter brings, and we look forward to working with him over this next phase of the journal's development." 

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News Shorts
CVS Group hit by cyber attack

CVS Group, which owns more than 450 veterinary practices in the UK, has been hit by a cyber attack.

In a statement, the group said the incident involved unauthorised external access to a limited number of its IT systems. As soon as the attack was discovered, the group took its IT systems temporarily offline, causing 'considerable operational disruption'.

It has warned that the security steps taken and ongoing plans to move its operational systems and IT infrastructure to the Cloud are likely to have an ongoing impact over a number of weeks.

Due to the risk that personal information was accessed, CVS has informed the Information Commissioner's Office. The company is working with third party consultants to investigate the incident.