A new podcast has been released by AMTRA entitled ‘Information on bluetongue for prescribing SQPs’.
Even though the weather has been colder at times recently, cases of bluetongue do continue to be identified. AMTRA has partnered with experts to provide a helpful source of information for SQPs on the frontline of product prescription and supply.
Working with industry stakeholders and following feedback from its members, AMTRA identified a need to provide an update on the role SQPs can play if farmers ask them for bluetongue advice; even though bluetongue is outside the remit of their role it is recognised that SQPs are a frequent and trusted source of advice for farmers.
In the podcast, AMTRA chief executive, Stephen Dawson, is joined by Nerys Wright, an independent sheep consultant and a farm animal SQP, plus Marion England and Chris Sanders who are both Research Fellows at The Pirbright Institute.
Mr Dawson said: “One of the great strengths of the SQP role, is the amount and frequency of contact they have with farmers and due to that, they are increasingly recognised as an important source of advice and are very well placed to offer information for farmers and answer questions.
“SQPs have an important role in countering any bluetongue misinformation or misunderstandings around the potential use of the POM-VPS medicines they do supply which can lead to farmers wasting their money or worse, encouraging resistance to develop where products are used inappropriately.”
Mr Dawson said that the role of the SQP here is broad in increasing the awareness of the advice that is already out there and making sure that farmers are better informed.
“We know farmers want to protect their livestock and need to feel like they’re doing something,” he said. “As prescribers it’s our responsibility to highlight to them that unfortunately the options regarding bluetongue are very limited.
“In the podcast we talk to experts about the tools at an SQP’s disposal which centre around giving that all important sound advice to farmers and aligning guidance with what other industry groups such as SCOPS and COWS are also saying about bluetongue.”
To access the podcast, click HERE.
