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.
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.
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…