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BSAVA and SAMSoc update antibiotic-use poster
The latest poster has been created using feedback from the veterinary community.
The new PROTECT ME poster covers new recommendations.

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and the Small Animal Medicine Society (SAMSoc) have released an updated PROTECT ME poster.

The poster has been expanded to include new recommendations made by the European Medicines Agency on antibiotic use.

The updated 2023 version of the poster has been created with a team of 55 veterinary surgeons, led by Dr Fergus Allerton. to ensure that the advice was applicable to all aspects of small animal practice.

A new addition is a section relating to the use of antibacterials for wounds and surgical site infections. The poster has also overhauled guidance on the treatment of life-threatening infections, as well as identifying and treating sepsis.

Alongside this, the PROTECT ME poster incorporates further expanded advice to support owners with their use of antibacterials. The non-prescription form has been amended with a QR code that directs owners towards additional information about antimicrobial resistance and how they can prevent it.

This includes a short educational animation on the topic.

It has been five years since the last edition of the poster, which provides advice and guidance on appropriate antibacterial use, in an effort to prevent antibacterial resistance. The information tackles unnecessary use of these medicines in animals to protect its efficacy.

The PROTECT ME initiative also emphasises the importance of the prescribing cascade, as supported by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).

The latest poster has been created using feedback from the veterinary community, to ensure that the guidelines are applicable to situations regularly seen in practice and address concerns about prescribing.

This has included a dedicated set of resources that advises on the responsible medication of  cats with first-line oral antibiotics.

Fergus Allerton said: “The latest iteration of the PROTECT ME poster incorporates updated information and offers recommendations to support vets to optimise their antibiotic use.

“I hope this will be a valuable resource for vets in practice.”

The new 2023 poster will be distributed with BSAVA’s monthly magazine Companion in December, with free printable copies available here. Printed copies can be purchased here, or requested for free by BSAVA members.

Image © Shutterstock

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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. 

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.