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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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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.