In 2019, Arwain DGC was allocated Rural Development Plan funding to deliver a range of important work to control antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and promote animal health. With this funding stream coming to an end, this additional funding will support the project for a further two years.
Preventing spread of AMR
Arwain DGC is a project aimed at preventing the spread of AMR in animals and the environment in Wales. The project, which brings researchers, farmers and vets together, hopes to do this by promoting responsible use and reducing the need to use antibiotics by improving productivity, animal health and welfare across the cattle, sheep and equine sectors. In practise this includes investigating how technology can be used to reduce the need for antimicrobials, carrying out surveillance to establish resistance levels and the drivers influencing it on farm, trialling a risk assessment app aimed at improving biosecurity and training on best practise when prescribing.
Proactive approach
"The latest data* shows that sales of antibiotics for food–producing animals have reduced by a staggering 55% since 2014 and most of this reduction is down to voluntary efforts across industry."
Abi Reader, NFU Cymru Deputy President
NFU Cymru sits on the steering group for the project and NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader said: “We welcome the news of this additional funding which will allow this project to continue its world-leading work. Welsh farmers produce to world leading standards and part of this is the proactive approach we take to the responsible use of medicines.
"The latest data* shows that sales of antibiotics for food–producing animals have reduced by a staggering 55% since 2014 and most of this reduction is down to voluntary efforts across industry. The work undertaken by Arwain DGC will not only allow us to establish a baseline for antibiotic usage in Wales but will also help us to evidence to consumers at home and abroad the quality of Welsh food and drink.”
(*Veterinary Medicines Directorate’s (VMD) Veterinary Antimicrobial Resistance and Sales Surveillance (UK-VARSS 2021) report)