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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.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."