Cookie use on MRCVSonline
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies.
Accept Policy
Change cookie settings
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 2019-05-13
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

AMR: Calls for collaboration without ‘blame culture’
“Antimicrobial resistance is a shared problem that must be addressed by medical, veterinary and environmental professionals collaboratively..."
BVA updates its position statement on AMR 

A one health approach without ‘blame culture’ is the key to tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has said in a new position statement.

The position consolidates and expands upon the BVA’s existing AMR policies. It makes 15 recommendations on responsible antimicrobial stewardship for vets, farmers and the government.

BVA president Simon Doherty said: “Antimicrobial resistance is a shared problem that must be addressed by medical, veterinary and environmental professionals collaboratively and not subject to a culture of blame.”

The updated position reiterates that vets should continue to be guided by the seven principles of antimicrobial use, which includes avoiding inappropriate use, monitoring antimicrobial sensitivity, working with clients to avoid the need for antimicrobials (e.g. through preventative measures) and recording and justifying any deviation from protocols.

BVA also released a new seven point plan poster for vets to display in practice.

The position also reiterates that critically important antibiotics should remain available for veterinary use, but vets should restrict the use of the highest priority CIAs, using them only as a last resort.

Mr Doherty added: “A collaborative approach to AMR, underpinned by a commitment from each of us within the veterinary profession to maintain the highest standards of stewardship in using antimicrobials, especially Critically Important Antibiotics, is the only way we can preserve these essential medicines for both humans and animals in the future.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Endangered turtles rescued from smugglers

News Story 1
 A group of endangered turtles have found a new home at London Zoo after being rescued from smugglers.

The four big-headed turtles arrived at the zoo at the end of last year, after smugglers tried to illegally import them to Canada, labelled as toys.

One of the turtles, named Lady Triệu after a Vietnamese warrioress, has moved to a new exhibit in the zoo’s reptile house. She is the only one of her kind in a UK zoo.

Big-headed turtles have such large heads that they cannot pull them back into their shells. To compensate, they have armour plating from head to tail and a very sharp beak to fend off predators. They are ranked number 18 on ZSL’s EDGE of Existence reptile list, which puts threatened species at the forefront of conservation action. Image © ZSL  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Professor Abdul Rahman announced as keynote speaker for BVA Members’ Day 2019

Celebrated Indian vet and parasitologist Professor Abdul Rahman is set to deliver the keynote speech at BVA Members’ Day 2019.

Professor Rahman will present his insights into the human behaviour challenges of controlling zoonotic disease in his talk: ‘A One Health approach to rabies elimination in Asia’. The talk will outline efforts to gain political support for dog vaccination programmes in China, as well as the need for a collaborative approach between vets, public health, livestock and animal welfare agencies.

The event takes place on Thursday, 19 September at Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. Tickets are free but must be reserved through the BVA website as places are limited.