Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
Crucial antimicrobial guidance
New leaflets help prevent antimicrobial resistance

Two new leaflets have been published, summarising crucial guidance on antimicrobials.

The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) produced the leaflets, prior to their proposals on a new regulation for veterinary medicines. The concern is that a resistance to antimicrobial medicines is forming in both animals and humans, which needs to be prevented.

The first leaflet, How we can safeguard antimicrobials now and for the future, is to inform animal owners, policymakers and other persons interested in the use of antimicrobials. The second leaflet, How to use antimicrobials responsibly: advice for veterinarians, is to reinforce the information to vets.

Peter Harlech Jones, President Elec of the BVA and chairman of the FVE working group that drafted the leaflets, said: "Antibiotics are a vital tool in our armoury to combat animal diseases and the veterinary profession must ensure they are used prudently and responsibly if we are to avoid a crisis.

"Thanks to our European colleagues we now have two short, easy-to-read leaflets summarising crucial guidance."

The upcoming BVA Congress (27-29 September) will further discuss the issue of antimicrobial resistance.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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

Click here for more...
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.