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BSAVA asks for feedback on antibiotic tool
Veterinary professionals from all areas of practice are asked to respond by the end of May.
The demo version was launched at BSAVA Congress.

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and the Small Animal Medicine Society (SAMSoc) are calling for feedback, as they seek to develop a decision-making tool for antibiotics.

The resource will support veterinary professionals with the prescription of antibiotics, as the organisations work to combat antimicrobial resistance.

A demo version of the tool was launched at BSAVA Congress, which took place in March. BSAVA are now asking for feedback from veterinary professionals from all areas of practice before the end of May.

The tool aims to give veterinary professionals more confidence with deciding when to prescribe, and when to withhold, antibiotics from animals. A current demo version only covers advice on gastrointestinal infections, however there is additional work underway to cover more areas.

It is the next step of the organisation’s PROTECTME initiative, which seeks to encourage responsible antibacterial use within the veterinary community.

The core of the initiative will be the BSAVA/SAMSoc Guide to Responsible Use of Antibiotics: PROTECTME guide. It will accompany an ‘Antibiotic use in our practice’ poster in the BSAVA Library.

Other new additions to BSAVA’s PROTECTME initiative have included a collection of resources to support the medication of cats, produced by the International Society of Feline Medicine and the Feline Centre at Langford Vets. There is also a new FAQ section for owners who have received a non-prescription form.

Cameron Shuttlewood, production editor at BSAVA, said: “Responsible use of veterinary medicines is key in supporting One Health and in retaining the right to prescribe antibiotics that are important in human medicine.
 
“We are pleased that the small animal veterinary community is embracing the importance of antibiotic stewardship, and we want this tool to make it quick and easy to follow existing evidence-based guidance.”

Veterinary professionals can try out the new tool here.

The full PROTECTME guide, which includes printable posters and non-prescription forms, can be found here. BSAVA members can request free copies of the poster, and non-members can purchase them from the shop.

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.