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Cutting antibiotic use has no adverse affect on cattle health and welfare - study 
The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance has put pressure on the livestock industry to reduce its use of antibiotics.
Researchers analyse data from seven dairy farms

Ceasing the use of certain antibiotics does not have an adverse effect on the health, welfare or production of dairy cows, according to new research.

In the study, researchers collected data from seven dairy farms in North Somerset that had stopped using the ‘highest priority critically important antimicrobials’ (HP-CIAs), as recommended by the World Health Organisation.

The findings, published in Vet Record, suggest that the health and welfare of dairy cattle can be maintained - and even improved - without the use of HP-CIAs. They also indicate that the complete cessation of HP-CIAs can lead to an overall reduction of antibiotic use on dairy farms.

“A cessation of the use of HP-CIAs and a decrease in the use of AMs within the livestock industry should be a key target for farmers and veterinary surgeons and has been shown to be achievable while maintaining animal health, welfare and production,” the authors conclude.

The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance to both human and animal health has put pressure on the livestock industry to reduce its use of antibiotics. In April 2017, the World Health Organisation identified quinolines and third- and fourth- generation cephalosporins as HP-CIAs because of the level of risk to human health.

The study, Ceasing the use of the highest priority critically important antimicrobials does not adversely affect production, health or welfare parameters in dairy cows, was conducted by veterinary researchers at the University of Bristol and the University of Surrey.

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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.