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: 16th November 2020
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

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.”

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.