Tuesday, 21 November 2023 15:55

VCNZ to set up AMR strategy

Written by Staff Reporters

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses and parasites no longer respond to medicine, making them difficult or impossible to treat.

The Veterinary Council of New Zealand (VCNZ), which regulates veterinarians and sets standards to support responsible antimicrobial use among veterinarians, is in the throes of developing a new strategy to minimize the risk of Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in New Zealand animals.

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the top 10 global public health threats and occurs when bacteria, viruses and parasites no longer respond to medicine, making them difficult or impossible to treat.

VCNZ chief executive and registrar Iain McLachlan says the strategy will complement initiatives in other parts of the sector, including the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

“Veterinarians, as stewards of antimicrobial products and the sole authorizer of their use in animals, have a critical role to play in managing the risks of AMR,” says McLachlan.

“We’re looking forward to getting this work underway and will be consulting right across the sector to ensure a wide range of perspectives are captured,” he says.

A steering group has been established which will review how antibiotics are currently used and antimicrobial stewardship by New Zealand veterinarians.

Members of the group will also interview stakeholders and evaluate AMR strategies. A discussion document summarising the group’s research will be widely consulted on before the strategy is finalised.

More like this

Teamwork makes antimicrobials work

World antimicrobial resistance (AMR) Awareness Week begins today, and New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) says you too can do your part.

Poultry farmers bag award for using less antibiotics

The Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand (PIANZ) has won the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Award.

Vet fund to support recovery

A new initiative to support North Island farmers recovering from flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle with veterinary services receiving $2.6 million from the Ministry for Primary Industries.

Work with vets to reduce AMR-related infections

Farmers are being urged to work with their veterinarian to keep animals healthy and help prevent drug-resistant infections developing.

Prevention better than cure

The New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) is calling on animal owners to work with their veterinarian to keep animals healthy and help prevent drug-resistant infections from developing.

Featured

AgriSIMA 2026 Paris machinery show cancelled

With the current situation in the European farm machinery market being described as difficult at best, it’s perhaps no surprise that the upcoming AgriSIMA 2026 agricultural machinery exhibition, scheduled for February 2026 at Paris-Nord Villepinte, has been cancelled.

MIA showcases refreshed Taste Pure Nature brand with Shanghai pop-up experience

The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) has launched the first in-market activation of the refreshed Taste Pure Nature country-of-origin brand with an exclusive pop-up restaurant experience in Shanghai.

Cricket memorabilia up for auction for youth mental health

Jayna Wadsworth, daughter of the late New Zealand wicketkeeper Ken Wadsworth, has launched an auction of cricket memorabilia to raise funds for I Am Hope's youth mental health work.

NZ tractor sales show signs of recovery – TAMA

As we move into the 2025/26 growing season, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that the third quarter results for the year to date is showing that the stagnated tractor market of the last 18 months is showing signs of recovery.

Dairy farmers urged to participate in 2026 Levy vote

DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown is urging dairy farmers to participate in the 2026 Levy vote, to be held early next year.

B+LNZ calls for director nominations for 2026 annual meeting

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling for nominations for director roles in the Eastern North Island and Southern South Island electoral districts.