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Food watchdog testing meats for AMR
meat
Veterinary organisations said AMR is a global issue for both humans and animals, but the agricultural use of antibiotics is "just one piece of the jigsaw".
Results to be published shortly
 
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said it is currently testing meats and other produce for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and will publish results soon.

The news follows a recent study which found high levels of antibiotic resistant E. coli bacteria in pork and poultry samples from UK supermarkets.

Researchers from Cambridge University tested 189 samples of UK origin from the seven leading supermarkets.

Almost a quarter were positive for ESBL E.coli, which is resistant to critically important modern cephalosporins, while over half of the E. coli found on samples were resistant to trimethoprim. In addition, 19 per cent of the E. coli were resistant to gentamicin.

An FSA spokesperson said: "AMR is a significant threat to public health in the future and consumer safety is a priority for the FSA. Working with others across Government, and with food producers, we aim to reduce the use of antimicrobials in food production animals.

"An important part of that will be work with food manufacturers, assurance schemes and retailers to develop standards for the responsible use of antibiotics in poultry, pig and dairy sectors."

Responding to the study, veterinary organisations said AMR is a global issue for both humans and animals, but the agricultural use of antibiotics is "just one piece of the jigsaw".

A joint statement from the BVA, British Veterinary Poultry Association and Pig Veterinary Society called for greater collaboration between health sectors to preserve essential drugs for the future generations.

'The veterinary profession recognises that antimicrobial resistance is a global problem for both humans and animals, so is working hard with companion animal owners, livestock farmers and other species stakeholders to promote the responsible use of antibiotics.

'Antimicrobials are crucial for the maintenance of animal health and welfare, and there are many innovative and important developments happening in the poultry, pig and other sectors to promote good practice for antibiotic use in animals, and to explore alternative measures. It is essential that we learn from and share this best practice across the UK and beyond.'

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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. 

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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.