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BEVA backs World Antimicrobial Awareness Week
BEVA has updated its award-winning Protect ME toolkit.

Daily quiz and live debate to encourage best practice in antibiotic use.

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has announced an exciting line up of quizzes, live debates and upgraded resources in preparation for World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (18-24 November) and to encourage the continued reduction of critically important antibiotics.

Organised annually by the World Health Organisation, World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAWW) aims to increase awareness of global antimicrobial resistance and to encourage best practices to avoid the further emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections.

Throughout the week, BEVA will be running a daily quiz on antimicrobial stewardship, with a vet asking members a question every morning, via video, and providing the answer in the evening. 

On European Antibiotic Awareness Day (18 November), BEVA will be hosting a live debate, with leading names from the veterinary and human health sectors giving TED-style talks, which will be preceded by a series of case discussions with a panel of vets.

Mark Bowen, co-opted member of BEVA’s Health and Medicines Committee, said: “BEVA remains opposed to overly restrictive legislation on antibiotic use but believes that the membership has an important role to play in maintaining our freedom to prescribe under the cascade.

“It is great to see BEVA making full use of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week to interact with members, encourage healthy debate and make practical information and research highly accessible.”

Among the updated resources includes an upgrade to BEVA's award-winning Protect ME toolkit, including new content and refreshed graphics. This free resource for BEVA members aims to help compliance and facilitate the education of horse owners about the importance of antimicrobial stewardship.

David Rendle, chair of BEVA’s Health and Medicines Committee, said: “We have made great strides since the Protect ME guidelines were introduced, but multi-resistant bacteria are an increasing problem in equine practice. Affected horses have longer recovery times and their owners are faced with higher costs of treatment.

“Regrettably some multi-resistant infections simply do not respond to treatment, leading to euthanasia. The problem is relevant to all vets and all horse owners, and we must all take responsibility for slowing the development of resistance.”

Antibiotic Awareness Week will also see BEVA share a variety of research papers on antimicrobials published in Equine Veterinary Education (EVE) and the Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ) as well as relevant online CPD resources.

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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.