References
Clinical forum: Running medicines training for ruminant farmers
Abstract
Increasing numbers of veterinary practices are running courses on the safe and effective use of veterinary medicines. During the last 5 years, demonstration of medicines competence has become increasingly important as part of the farm assurance process. It is now compulsory for Red Tractor assured beef, sheep and dairy farmers to have undertaken recent and suitable medicines training. The correct use of veterinary medicines provides an essential contribution to many topical issues; including antimicrobial and anthelmintic resistance, animal welfare and consumer safety. This article discusses the requirements and content of a medicines course and then draws on the experience of a panel of veterinary surgeons to explore the various approaches to running a medicines course as a veterinary practice.
In recent years, much attention has been given to best practice use of animal medicines on cattle and sheep farms. This arises from several quarters: first, the increasing concern about antimicrobial resistance in both animals and humans, and the taskforces and reduction targets that have been created as a result (Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture). Second, rising levels of anthelmintic resistance particularly in sheep (Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep), and also cattle parasite populations (Control of Worms Sustainably). Third, processor and consumer concern about medicines residues in food products, leading to the development of the Milksure initiative. Last, increasing awareness and regulation of responsible prescribing practices, as described in the Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, 2023).
This interest in medicine best practice has been paralleled by the Red Tractor assurance scheme that has gradually included additional recommendations and requirements in its cattle and sheep standards. In autumn 2017, all assured dairy farms were recommended to have at least one member of staff who had undertaken suitable medicines training. In autumn 2018, this was upgraded to a requirement. For assured beef and sheep farms, in 2018 it became a recommendation that at least one member of staff should have undertaken training in the handling and administration of medicines. This became a requirement in autumn 2021. Additionally, over this time the standards have been tightened such that the medicines training in question should be recent (since 2016) and must be a course approved by Red Tractor.
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