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New five-year plan against AMR announced
The next five-year plan will run from 2024 to 2029.
It forms part of the government’s plans to control AMR by 2040.

The Department of Health and Social Care has launched the second stage of its five-year plan, as it seeks to control antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by 2040.

The latest National Action Plan (NAP) seeks to build upon work completed as part of the previous five-year plan, and sets new ambitious targets for reducing antibiotic use.

New commitments will see the UK, including the veterinary sector, challenged to reduce its usage of antimicrobials in humans and animals. It also calls for tighter surveillance of drug resistant infections, and more incentive for industries to develop new treatments.

The five-year plan, which will run from 2024 to 2029, covers nine strategic outcomes organised into four themes.

Firstly, the NAP intends to reduce the necessity of, and unintentional exposure to, antimicrobials. To achieve this, work will focus on preventing infections, monitoring their emergence and spread, and minimising their release into the environment.

The efficacy of existing microbials will be protected by optimising their use, ensuring that they are only used when needed.

Innovation, supply and access is set to be encouraged, as the government seeks to find new vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics. Manufacturers will be incentivised to make them accessible to those who need them, and to ensure their work is founded in AMR research.

Finally the UK will look to remain an international leader in AMR, supporting low- and middle-income countries as they also challenge AMR.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, said: “The UK has made fantastic progress in the past 10 years to reduce AMR in animals, working between government, farming industry, vets, and animal keepers to reduce the use of antibiotics in food-producing animals by more than half.
 
“The new National Action Plan will build upon these achievements, and I urge vets and animal keepers to continue to support the UK’s 20-year vision to contain and control AMR.”

The Responsible use of Medicines in Agriculture (RUMA) Alliance has also welcomed the next stage of the plan.

RUMA chair Cat McLaughlin said: “RUMA is very pleased to see the launch of the second five-year National Action Plan today which further supports and drives UK efforts to tackle AMR from a One Health perspective.

“In the UK, the responsible use of medicines across UK farming is already part of everyday language, with farmers and vets working collaboratively to embed best practice for responsible use and reductions across all sectors.”

Image © Shutterstock

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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
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.