RCVS to host antimicrobial resistance symposium

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has announced that it will be hosting a symposium to discuss the issue of antimicrobial resistance in human and veterinary medicine.

To be held on March 15th 2012, the event is being organised in conjunction with the Royal College of Physicians, Royal College of Pathologists and Health Protection Agency, following on from the recent European Antibiotic Awareness Day.

It will consider the growing importance of issues regarding antimicrobial use and misuse globally, as well as the broader impact this will have.

The RCVS will be using this event to build on the work done in this sector by bodies such as the British Veterinary Association and the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance.

RCVS council member Professor Sandy Trees said: "The aim of the symposium is to bring medical and veterinary scientists and leading practitioners together to discuss antimicrobial resistance, in the spirit of 'one medicine'."

European Antibiotic Awareness Day took place on November 18th 2011 and was organised by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.