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Survey reveals high engagement with animal medicines advisors
AMTRA is appointed by the Secretary of State of keep its register of Registered Animal Medicines Advisors, or RAMAs
Results provide a snapshot of the perceived performance of AMTRA RAMAs.

A new, independent survey commissioned by regulatory body AMTRA on the understanding of Registered Animal Medicines Advisors (RAMAs) has revealed a high level of engagement and understanding among industry professionals and the farming community. 

AMTRA (Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority) is a not-for-profit organisation appointed by the Secretary of State to keep its register of RAMAs (Registered Animal Medicines Advisors), also known as SQPs. Responsible for some 7,000 RAMAs, AMTRA's obligations include an effective disciplinary process to take action in the case of anyone not following the SQP Code of Practice, together with a mandatory system of CPD. 

Respondents to the anonymous telephone survey included professional industry bodies, animal health charities, medicines manufacturers, farmers and influencers within the farming community. Of these, 100 per cent said they recognised the importance of AMTRA RAMAs in providing advice to farmers, while 72 per cent said they were aware of the available training and support.

Respondents to the survey were asked a series of 12 questions and were invited to comment on both their personal and professional engagement with AMTRA and RAMAs. The results show a clear understanding of the importance of AMTRA RAMAs in medicines distribution, including wormers and vaccines, and providing advice on resistance. 

“Principally, the aim of this survey was for us to get a snapshot and evaluate the perceived performance of both AMTRA and our RAMAs within our industry, importantly including the views of farmers,” explained Stephen Dawson, AMTRA secretary-general.

“We are delighted with the overwhelmingly positive feedback we have received, but this exercise has also been important in identifying areas which can be improved, or indeed where messages need to be amplified to create and raise awareness.”

He added: “While there is a good understanding of the training and CPD undertaken by RAMAs, we see the opportunities to work with industry partners, for example, to raise awareness amongst the wider farming community, about their important role in the distribution of animal medicines.

“The challenge is to achieve greater awareness amongst industry, to ultimately encourage greater farmer adoption of this valuable RAMA resource.”

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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.