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New Welsh animal project launched to combat antimicrobial resistance

Press release issued: 6 October 2021

A Welsh project designed to help combat antimicrobial resistance in animals and the environment in Wales has been launched.

Arwain DGC (Defnydd Gwrthfaicrobaidd Cyfrifol) Cymru is at the forefront of the drive to prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

AMR is classed as a global "One Health” challenge and there are calls for urgent multisectoral action. AMR has been described by The World Health Organisation as an issue where “without urgent action, we are heading for a post-antibiotic era, in which common infections and minor injuries can once again kill.”

Arwain DGC comprises of a schedule of activities and brings together experienced collaborators to deliver a wide-ranging programme addressing AMR in animals and the environment. Included are key Welsh agricultural stakeholders (Menter a Busnes, Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers Ltd and Welsh Agricultural Organisation Society), academic institutions (University of Bristol and Aberystwyth University School of Veterinary Science) and veterinary delivery partners (Iechyd Da and Milfeddygon Gogledd Cymru).

Kristen Reyher, Professor of Veterinary Epidemiology and Population Health at Bristol Veterinary Schoolsaid: “The University of Bristol is delighted to be involved in this important work in Wales, sharing knowledge from similar programmes of work we have led in England, Thailand and Argentina.

“The AVC programme was designed at Bristol following on from a project initiated by Iechyd Da and we are glad to be able to extend its impact by further investigating the microbiology and epidemiology of AMR on Welsh farms with a great team of leaders across Welsh agriculture.”

Read the full University of Bristol press release

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