Responsible Use of Antimicrobials training courses that are currently free for farmers, farm family members and farm workers will end on Tuesday 31 October 2023.
Both the NI Beef & Lamb Farm Quality Assurance Scheme and the Red Tractor Dairy scheme require that at least one person, who is responsible for administering medicines has undertaken training and holds an attendance certificate from training undertaken.
The course is part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise’s (CAFRE’s) Farm Family Key Skills (FFKS) programme and helps members of these schemes meet this requirement.
Since 2019, almost 400 Responsible Use of Antimicrobials courses have been delivered with 13,000 people attending. Over 10,500 local livestock farms have benefited from the training.
The courses are delivered by practicing vets and have proven very popular. Almost 100% of those attending has said that the course has improved their knowledge of the responsible use of antimicrobials on-farm and they would recommend attending this course.
Also, two thirds of those trained are indicating that they are making changes. This doesn’t only benefit animal health and welfare, but also human health.
It is estimated that by 2050, over 10 million people worldwide could die annually due to antimicrobial resistance and many diseases could be untreatable. The course will provide information on best practice on using antimicrobials and how to minimise the need for on-farm use of antimicrobials.
Both face-to-face courses and online webinars are available.
Currently available dates are:
- Monday 16 October, 7:30pm – Online Webinar
- Friday 20 October, 7:30pm – Silver Birch Hotel, Omagh
- Monday 23 October, 7:30pm – Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim
- Wednesday 25 October, 7:30pm – Millbrook Lodge, Ballynahinch
- Monday 30 October, 7:30pm - Seagoe Hotel, Portadown
Additional dates may be added, so keep an eye on the CAFRE website.
Details of the final courses can be found on the CAFRE website.
You can book a place on a course through the CAFRE website or by contacting AI Services, tel: 028 9083 3123
Notes to editors:
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
- All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk or telephone: 028 9052 4619.