MAVIS Hub Edition 122

Question 1

1. Enforcement

Accepted Answer

Animal medicine seizure notice: Parcel addressed to premises in Dunadry, Antrim

Animal medicine improvement notice: Swinfen Veterinary Centre, Staffordshire

Animal medicine seizure notice: Parcel addressed to premises in Belfast

Question 2

2. AMR (Antimicrobial Resistance)

Accepted Answer

2.1 Defra Antimicrobial Resistance Co-ordination (DARC) group

The DARC group met virtually on 3 March 2022 to discuss the recent findings on AMR in bacteria of importance to animal and public health. The meeting included presentations on companion animal and equine stewardship from both RCVS Knowledge and RUMA Companion Animal and Equine Alliance. Minutes from the previous meetings

2.2 Policy and communications update

Policy priorities for this year include:

continued implementation of animal health-specific aspects of the cross-government UK AMR National Action Plan (2019 to 2024)
continued work to pursue the AMR commitments made in 2021 during the UK’s G7 Presidency, in support of Germany’s 2022 G7 Presidency
finishing touches to a Case Study report written by the VMD and stakeholders detailing the UK’s reduction in sales and use of antibiotics for food-producing animals. The report will be published by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and highlight the value of the multi-sectoral voluntary collaborative approach adopted in the UK.

During February the VMD ran a mini social media campaign to support the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board’s (AHDB) ColostrumIsGold campaign. Tweets included tips on colostrum management to promote neonatal health and reduce the need of antibiotics, and links to AHDB’s resources.

Question 3

3. Inspections

Accepted Answer

During the period from 1 January 22 to 31 March 22 the Distribution and Supply Chain Inspection Section carried out a total of 297 inspections of retail and feed business premises to assess their compliance with the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013. We have restarted on-site inspections, however, due to the ongoing pandemic we are still carrying out some remote assessments where we believe they are appropriate.

3.1 Retail Premises

We inspected 235 retail premises (veterinary practice premises and SQP retailers) and the compliance ratings for these inspections were as follows (5 being the highest, 1 being the lowest):

Rating	No. of premises	Percentage
5	102	43%
4	100	43%
3	29	12%
2	0	0%
1	4	2%

The most common deficiencies that required corrective action, which were all observed in veterinary practice premises, were:

Broach dates exceeded or not recorded
Controlled Drug (CD) Registers not maintained as required
Issues with the annual audit of Prescription Only Medicines

The requirements for retailers are published on Gov.UK

3.2 Feed Business Operator premises

We inspected 62 Feed Business Operator (FeBO) premises and the compliance ratings for these inspections were as follows (5 being the highest, 1 being the lowest):