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European Medicines Agency updates antibiotics advice
The EMA has updated its scientific advice on the risk categorisation of antibiotics for use in animals.
Four new classes of antibiotics have been identified

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has updated its scientific advice on the risk categorisation of antibiotics for use in animals.

The updated advice from EMA’s Antimicrobial Advice Ad-Hoc Experts Group (AMEG) includes new classes of antibiotics and takes into account the need to use antibiotics in animals versus the risk of antimicrobial resistance to public health.

The main change in the new advice is that the four new classes of antibiotics A to D have been identified, replacing the previous three categories. They are:
  • category A ('Avoid') includes antibiotics currently not authorised for veterinary use. These medicines cannot be used in food-producing animals and should only be given to pets under exceptional circumstances;
  • category B ('Restrict') refers to quinolones, third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins and polymyxins. These are critically important in human medicine and their use in animals should be restricted;
  • category C ('Caution') covers antibiotics for which alternatives for human use generally exist, but only few alternatives are available in certain veterinary indications. They should only be used when there are no suitable antibiotics in category D;
  • category D ('Prudence') covers antibiotics that may be used in animals in a prudent manner. Group treatment should be restricted to situations where individual treatment is not feasible.
Welcoming the guidance, Chris Lloyd, secretary-general of the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA) said the advice identifies where a lack of alternative products challenges the treatment of disease in some species. As such, he notes that the updated advice will be particularly helpful in guiding future targets and policy in UK farm animal health and welfare.

“The EMA’s AMEG constantly reassesses the impact on human health of using different antibiotics in animals, alongside the need to treat disease in animals for health and welfare reasons. This is a unique approach globally,” explains Mr Lloyd.

“The advice also focuses on specific resistance issues within the geographical region of Europe, which is why it is used by the government’s Veterinary Medicines Directorate, RUMA, and most professional veterinary organisations within the UK as the key source of expert guidance.”

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA publishes fifth Manual of Canine and Feline Neurology

The BSAVA has published the fifth edition of its BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Neurology.

The new edition has been reviewed and updated, including new developments in diagnostics, therapeutic approaches and clinical decision-making. It is structured to support clinicians through diagnosis, treatment and long-term management.

The guide features five new chapters covering acute myelopathies, chronic myelopathies, emergency protocols, neurotoxicology and neuro-oncology.

It also includes over 100 videos, including demonstrations of neurological examinations, clinical presentations and diagnostic procedures.

Nicola Lloyd, publishing manager, said: "Whether you're a general practitioner seeking practical guidance, or a specialist aiming to refine your expertise, this edition remains an indispensable reference for anyone involved in the care of neurologically compromised dogs and cats."