Summit explores antibiotic stewardship plan for ruminants
Attendees will review stakeholder views on the ruminant antibiotic roadmap.
A cross-sector summit is seeking to address issues relating to antibiotic stewardship within ruminant animal care.
The event, hosted by veterinary charity RCVS Knowledge, will bring together leading figures from the dairy, beef and sheep industries, as well as government representatives from the devolved nations.
It comes as a cross-sector working group collaborates to co-develop a ‘roadmap’ for the UK’s ruminant sector. The plans are set to support the sector in evidencing responsible antibiotic usage (ABU).
The working group has been gathering stakeholder views through a survey, workshops and focus groups.
Findings from this survey have informed the content of the summit. Attendees will be invited to review the ideas and challenges raised by the research, taking into account stakeholder views and current practices.
The event, which will be opened by Lord Trees, will shape a practical plan with actionable strategies to enable better demonstration of stewardship and maintain progress.
The eventual roadmap will influence the data collected on antimicrobial resistance, how it is reported, and how it is demonstrated across the country. The plan will seek to demonstrate the good work currently happening on farms, ensure data collection is proportionate and make sure that these records are useful at farm and practice level.
Through this, the working group hopes to protect the reputation and future of the UK ruminant sector.
The initiative is co-chaired by David Black, president of the British Cattle Veterinary Association; Mark Jelley, from the Cattle Antibiotic Guardian Group and Fiona Lovatt, from the Sheep Antibiotic Guardian Group.
Fiona Lovatt, said: “The issues facing the ruminant sectors are many and they are complex. They involve data, yes, but beyond that, good stewardship involves people and conversations and collaboration.
“We’ve been able to treat bacterial conditions for the last 80 years – what an incredible privilege. Now is the time for everyone in the room to work together to acknowledge and evidence the responsible approach we take to being the gatekeepers of veterinary medicines.”
The roadmap is set to be published in the autumn, with the working group continuing to work with the ruminant sector throughout.
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