A campaign urging pet owners to trust their vets on the use of antibiotics has today been launched by the government.

It follows a new survey by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) that found almost 90% of vets said clients came to appointments with an expectation they will provide antibiotics for their pets.

Nearly 70% of vets also said they feel their clients are not aware of the gravity of the issue of antimicrobial resistance.

Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest global threats with estimates suggesting it could be responsible for 10 million deaths per year by 2050 – and cost the global economy $100 trillion.

Following a government strategy to tackle AMR launched in 2013, antibiotic use in livestock has fallen to an all-time low, but attention must now address antibiotic use in companion animals, specifically client expectation and understanding.

Christine Middlemiss, Chief Veterinary Officer said:

We are a nation of animal lovers, and are committed to having some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world.

We all want to take care of our pets which is why it’s important to remember that antibiotics are not always the best treatment.

If that’s what your vet says – trust your vet.

We all have a part to play in tackling the threat that is antibiotic resistance and reduce it wherever possible.

John Fishwick, BVA President said:

Vets are working hard to reduce the threat of antibiotic resistance to ensure these vital medicines can be used in the future. It is incredibly important that pet owners follow veterinary advice and trust their vet’s clinical judgement.

John Chitty, the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) President said:

Antimicrobial resistance is a major problem in all species, so trust your vet to give professional and impartial advice on the correct use of antibiotics to help not only your pet, but the whole pet population.

To help raise awareness of the campaign we’re encouraging vets to put up our poster in their practices. The poster is available in Vet Record (6 April) and also downloadable at www.bva.co.uk/trustyourvet where you can also find other resources.

Further information:

• *According to BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey, conducted in February 2018.
• In 2017 it was estimated that the total number of pets in the UK is 21 million, with 8.5 million dogs, 8 million cats and 900,000 rabbits being among the most popular.

We want your views on our proposals for the types and sizes of infrastructure which should be considered as ‘nationally significant’ infrastructure projects. These will be defined in the Planning Act 2008.

This consultation supports the development of the National Policy Statement for Water Resources.

This document follows the publication in 2013 of the government’s first Arctic Policy Framework, Adapting to Change, which set out the UK’s approach towards the Arctic, based upon the 3 principles of respect, co-operation and appropriate leadership.

These principles remain central to the UK government’s approach to the Arctic. We recognise that Arctic stewardship rests with the Arctic States and the indigenous peoples of those States, and continue to support their efforts to ensure a sustainable future for the region. The main commitments include:

• helping to understand a changing Arctic through world-class science
• protecting the Arctic’s fragile environment
• promoting prosperity in the region

The UK will show leadership in matters of global importance such as climate change and tackling pollution in our oceans. We will also encourage UK companies to explore commercial opportunities, while ensuring that people who depend on the Arctic for their livelihoods can continue to do so sustainably for generations to come.

New rules are now in force which will protect the water environment and save farmers money.

The new rules, which came in to force on 2 April 2018, mean it is now mandatory for all farmers in England to maintain good practice to protect water quality and prevent water pollution incidents.

Collectively, farming related pollution incidents can harm wildlife in our rivers and seas. They also impact on our economy, resulting in higher bills from increased water treatment and affect our tourism and shellfish industry.
Many farmers have already made great progress in addressing pollution risks but the new rules will help tackle water pollution by ensuring all farmers take action.

The rules will:

• promote good practice in managing fertilisers and manures;
• encourage land managers to take reasonable precautions to prevent diffuse pollution from runoff or soil erosion;
• require land managers to plan each application of manure or fertilisers, based on soil tests, to meet but not exceed crop and soil needs.

Our 25 Year Environment Plan set out how these new rules will require every farmer to identify and manage risks to water and start taking precautions to reduce ammonia emissions, reducing pollution and soil erosion and improving resource efficiency.

Environment Minister Therese Coffey said:

This is a really important opportunity for farmers to reduce pollution in watercourses. In following these rules, farmers will be able to help reduce pollution incidents, improve water quality and save money through more efficient use of resources.

The new rules are an important part of our 25 year plan for the environment which will help us deliver our plans for a Green Brexit and leave our environment in a better state than we inherited it.

The new farming rules have been drawn up with farming and environment representatives so that they are practical, risk based and will prevent and reduce agricultural pollution. They encourage the farmer to think about the risk of water pollution, how to keep valuable topsoil on their fields and to apply fertilisers only when it is appropriate to do so. Farmers and land managers will be able to determine what approach is best for their land, through methods such as deciding when it is safe to spread fertilisers.

The rules cover:

• planning the use of manures and fertilisers to improve soil nutrient levels and meet crop needs;
• storing organic manures and positioning livestock feeders away from water bodies;
• applying manures or fertilisers to minimise impact on the water environment;
• precautions to prevent soil erosion;
• reducing livestock poaching.

Farming rules for water are part of a whole package of measures to help farmers and land managers look after the environment. The government is also investing £400 million through Countryside Stewardship which supports farmers in creating or restoring precious habitats and a £12 million farm ammonia reduction grant has incentivised farmers to tackle agricultural emissions.

The Environment Agency consults the public on certain applications for Radioactive Substances Activity. The arrangements are explained in its Public Participation Statement

These notices explain:

• what the application is about
• how to view the application documents
• when you need to comment by

The Environment Agency will decide:

• whether to grant or refuse the application
• what conditions to include in the permit (if granted)