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Boost in antimicrobial best practice
Professor Mark Bowen, University of Nottingham
Two thirds of equine practices now have written policies

The percentage of equine veterinary practices with policies on antimicrobial use in horses has seen a significant boost over the past year, according to the BEVA.

A survey by the association last year found that only one per cent of equine practices had written policies on the responsible use of antimicrobials - a figure which has risen to 66 per cent in just 12 months.

Last year, the BEVA launched its Protect ME campaign to promote antimicrobial stewardship. Mark Bowen, BEVA Council member and professor of veterinary internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, said: "To date we have had around 2500 downloads of BEVA’s Protect ME toolkit…

"We are delighted with the profession’s voluntary engagement with this important issue. It clearly demonstrates the weight equine practice places on preserving effective antibiotics for the future."

This year's Protect ME campaign will focus on client education. Fact sheets, posters and light-hearted comic strips have been created by the BEVA for members to share with their clients, at the surgery or via social media.

The resources are aimed at helping practices to explain to horse owners about the significance of antimicrobial resistance, to help them understand why antimicrobials are not always required.

The Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ) has adopted an antimicrobial stewardship policy in its author guidelines - the first publication in the world to do so. Other journals are now being encouraged to follow suit.

EVJ editor Celia Marr said: "There has been widespread support for EVJ’s antimicrobial stewardship policy by authors, indicating the importance that all parts of the equine profession place on the judicious use of antimicrobials. EVJ will be releasing a special online issue on antimicrobial resistance in 2014 to reiterate our commitment."

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.