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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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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.