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EVAC webinar 2020 now available to view online
Colistin is a Gram-negative antibiotic widely used in pig and poultry medicine.

Speakers discuss colistin use and the impact of a potential ban

Recordings from the European Veterinary Antibiotics Conference (EVAC) 2020 are now available to view online.

This year's conference focused on the use of colistin and featured presentations from pharmacological, clinical and epidemiological specialists on the topic.

Speakers at EVAC 2020 discussed the use of colistin and the rising fears from veterinary professionals over a potential ban on the antibiotic. This ban could, according to the speakers, have a major negative impact on animal health and welfare – as well as public health.

Xavier Chatenet, a veterinary surgeon specialising in poultry health, spoke about the lack of alternatives to colistin for the group treatment of poultry. He argued that colistin is an essential veterinary product which, if banned, could lead to greater resistance problems with the alternatives.

Dr Pascal Richez, European specialist in veterinary pharmacology and toxicology, was next to speak. Focusing on misconceptions surrounding antibiotic resistance and the importance of clinical breakpoints to help clinicians determine if a pathogen is likely to respond to treatment.

The webinar concluded with a discussion of the use of colistin in human health care, led by Dr Boudewijn Catry, epidemiologist and head of the Belgian service for healthcare-associated infections & antimicrobial resistance. He confirmed that 'the need to be concerned for colistin resistance in public health care is very low’ adding that, in human medicine, many alternatives are coming on the market.

Highlights of the EVAC webinar can be viewed here.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.