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: 19th February 2024
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

Vets urged by charity to become Antibiotic Guardians
“AMR is a complex global issue that everyone must work together to tackle” –
RCVS Knowledge calls on vet teams to work together to tackle AMR.

The charity RCVS Knowledge is encouraging veterinary professionals to become Antibiotic Guardians in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

CPD courses are available on the RCVS Knowledge Learn training platform, with specialist courses for companion animals, equine, small mammals, avians, and exotics.

Any member of a veterinary team can take the courses and will be awarded an Antibiotic Guardian certificate at one of four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

To help reduce AMR, the charity wants every companion animal and equine veterinary practice in the UK to contain a member of the team who has been awarded a gold-level Antibiotic Guardian certificate.

On the courses, learners are taught how to encourage responsible antibiotic use, how to manage specific conditions with and without antibiotics, and how to introduce stewardship measures.

The charity runs a separate Farm Vet Champions scheme for veterinary professionals who work with farm animals.

Fergus Allerton, clinical lead for medicines at RCVS Knowledge, said: “AMR is a complex global issue that everyone must work together to tackle. Our CPD course on responsible antibiotic use was created by veterinary professionals, for veterinary professionals, and will help you to learn all the stewardship essentials.

“Becoming an Antibiotic Guardian will give you the skills and the confidence to make responsible decisions when using antibiotics, and help your colleagues do the same.

“If every veterinary practice in the UK has just one Gold Antibiotic Guardian, this will prompt important conversations among colleagues and translate into meaningful changes in our prescribing habits. Together we can make a real difference.”

Image © Shutterstock

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

Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.