Final round of free AMR training now underway

THE final round of free training courses on the responsible use of antimicrobials on beef and sheep farms is now underway. This training round will come to an end on 31 August 2023, and will bring to a conclusion these workshops which are currently free of charge under the Farm Family Key Skills Programme.

The Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) is again encouraging farmers who have yet to complete this course to register for an upcoming event. Participants of the Northern Ireland Beef and Lamb Farm Quality Assurance Scheme (NIBL FQAS) are reminded that from 03 February 2020 it became a requirement for NIBL FQAS that ‘at least one person responsible for administering animal medicines must be formally trained in the responsible use of antimicrobials’.

If the NIBL FQAS participant has completed this training since its introduction in February 2020, there is no need to complete it again. Attendance certificates to meet NIBL FQAS requirements are issued on successful completion of the training. NIBL FQAS participants must retain their certificate to be shown at each inspection.

Over 10,000 farmers across Northern Ireland have undertaken the training with many very experienced farmers reflecting back to LMC that the knowledge gained was invaluable to their animal health planning. NIBL FQAS participants have shown tremendous leadership in building their knowledge to help address the one health approach to antimicrobial resistance, which is one of the great global challenges of the modern age.

The ‘Responsible Use of Antimicrobials on Beef and Sheep Farms’ training sessions are organised by CAFRE in partnership with AI Services. A mix of online and in person events are scheduled over the coming months and will be delivered by qualified Veterinary Surgeons. Details on upcoming training dates for the responsible use of antimicrobials courses can be found on the CAFRE website at www.cafre.ac.uk/business-courses/responsible-use-of-antimicrobials-on-beef-and-sheep-farms/ or contact AI Services (028) 9083 3123.

Attendees must pre-register in order to attend a session. To book visit the CAFRE website (link above) and select ‘book this course for me’ and follow the steps on screen.