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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 19th February 2024
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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

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Central Qualifications to attend BVNA Congress

News Story 1
 Central Qualifications (CQ) is to host a stand at this year's BVNA Congress. The awarding body will be at Stand C9 from 11-13 October.

It will discuss changes to the qualifications strategy and some new qualifications, including a top-up course for equine veterinary care, so qualified veterinary nurses can broaden their skills.

Rachael Shepherd, education consultant at CQ, said: "We are looking forward to attending BVNA Congress this year. There are exciting times ahead, with a revamp to the VN qualifications and assessment strategy and the introduction of some new qualifications." 

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News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.