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UK pig sector halves antibiotic use in two years
Use of the Highest Priority Critically Important Antibiotics represented just 0.08 per cent of total antibiotic use in pigs in 2017.
Report highlights collaborative effort to address AMR

The UK pig industry has more than halved its antibiotic use in two years, according to a report published by the National Pig Association (NPA).

Figures published in the latest Pig Industry Antibiotic Stewardship Programme show the sector is on course to meet its target of reducing usage to 99mg/PCU by 2020.

The figures also show that usage of the Highest Priority Critically Important Antibiotics (cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and colistin) represented just 0.08 per cent of total antibiotic use in pigs in 2017.

“The progress made in the two years since has been nothing short of staggering,” said NPA senior policy advisor Georgina Crayford. “That is testament to the way all parts of the industry have come together to, first accept, then rise to the challenge – this is a truly collaborative effort. 
 
“Everybody understands that there is still much more to do. But after reading this report, it will become clear to everybody just how hard this industry is working to reduce and refine antibiotic use and improve overall pig health.”

The Pig Industry Antibiotic Stewardship Programme illustrates how producers, vets, feed and pharmaceutical companies are working with Government to address the problem of antibiotic resistance. Compiled with members of the Pig Health and Welfare Council, it shows how farmers and vets are working together to improve biosecurity and disease control on farms.

The report is available online for interested stakeholders and will be sent to MPs that have expressed an interest in the subject. 

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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.