Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th October 2014
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

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."

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.