RCVS Knowledge has launched Farm Vet Champions, an online course offering free and practical training in championing good antimicrobial stewardship. 

The Farm Vet Champions initiative has been set up to build a supportive community of farm animal veterinary professionals to collaborate in championing good antibiotic principles. 

Led by RCVS Knowledge and funded by the VMD, the project has brought together a number of UK veterinary and agriculture organisations to develop free learning materials for farm veterinary professionals.

The new online course covers: 

  • technical species-specific modules, 
  • communication skills and behaviour change principles
  • the legal use of veterinary medicines, policies, and One Health aspects of antibiotic prescribing and stewardship.

A course offers a total of 20 hours of free on-demand CPD. 

The second phase of the initiative, due to start development over Summer 2021, will provide online and in-person networking opportunities for Farm Vet Champions to learn from one another by sharing their experiences and working together towards the common goal of good antibiotic stewardship. 

Chris Gush, Executive Director of RCVS Knowledge, said, “With antimicrobial resistance being one of the top 10 health threats facing our planet, we are delighted with the quality of the Farm Vet Champions course and we look forward to connecting with farm vets across the UK to tackle AMR. Farm Vet Champions is just the beginning of our work in antimicrobial prescribing, and we look forward to building on our resources that will benefit all animals, the public and society.” 

Fiona Lovatt, Farm Vet Champions Clinical Lead, said, “I am incredibly proud of the Farm Vet Champions project and extremely grateful to every member of our steering group who have been instrumental in the creation of high-quality and engaging learning materials. I encourage all UK farm vets to sign up and join us on the journey to tackle AMR.” 

Farm Vet Champions can be accessed for free at https://learn.rcvsknowledge.org/
 

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets.