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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th May 2022
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New tool launched to improve antimicrobial use
"This will not only help the livestock sectors to achieve their targets, but will result in improvements in animal health" - Fraser Broadfoot, Veterinary Medicines Directorate.
RCVS Knowledge adds tool as Farm Vet Champions programme.

A new goal-setting tool for improving antimicrobial use has been launched by RCVS Knowledge.

The SMART goals tool, available to access for free through the RCVS Knowledge Learn platform, will allow farm veterinary teams to target, track and improve their antimicrobial prescribing. 

Launched as part of the Farm Vet Champions programme, the tool was developed with the team at RCVS Knowledge along with a dedicated steering group from the veterinary and agricultural spheres. 

Fiona Lovatt, Farm Vet Champions clinical lead, commented on the new resource: “I am so excited to see the launch of our SMART goal tool. It is both engaging and simple to use, and I expect it will encourage practice teams to motivate each other to track their progress in their stewardship activities.

“It is such a critical time to ensure we are using antimicrobials responsibly so that they will work when patients really need them. 

“We all have a responsibility to fight antimicrobial resistance. The good news is there is a lot we can do – one of those things is getting involved with Farm Vet Champions, enhancing our skills and adapting our practice.”

Supporting the launch of the SMART goals tool, RCVS Knowledge will run an interactive webinar to allow veterinary teams to learn more about the tool and antimicrobial resistance. This will take place on Zoom at 12.30pm today. (Tuesday 17 May). 

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.