AMTRA publishes bluetongue podcast to support SQPs/RAMAs on the frontline of product prescription and supply in giving the best possible advice to farmers

A new podcast has been released today (13 Dec) by AMTRA entitled ‘Information on bluetongue for prescribing SQPs’ Bluetongue podcast - AMTRA. Even though the weather has been colder at times recently, cases of bluetongue do continue to be identified. AMTRA, the leading industry Registered Animal Medicines Advisor (RAMA – also known as Suitably Qualified Person SQP) regulatory body, has partnered with experts to provide a helpful source of information for SQPs/RAMAs 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/RAMAs can play if farmers ask them for bluetongue advice; even though bluetongue is outside the remit of their role it is recognised that SQPs/RAMAs are a frequent and trusted source of advice for farmers. 

In the podcast, AMTRA CEO, 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.  

Stephen says: “One of the great strengths of the RAMA/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/RAMAs 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. The role of the SQP/RAMA 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. 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. It is very important that SQPs continue to follow the guidance of the Code of Practice, convey to farmers  what won’t help with regards to bluetongue, and to be prepared to have those difficult conversations and manage expectations. There is no evidence insecticides can prevent infection or transmission in the field and equally, there is no evidence that insect repellents prevent or reduce bluetongue transmission either. There is no silver bullet.

"But there is scope for SQPs/RAMAs to inform farmers about the use of disinfectants in vehicles which may help stop the very unlikely event of movement of infected midges from one place to another.” 

The podcast also highlights the role SQPs/RAMAs can play in encouraging farmers to take advantage of the weather and use the wind and rain to their benefit as midges can’t fly in high winds and rain, which means keeping animals in areas of a farm where it is particularly windy could be beneficial. Also, they can encourage farmers to have a conversation with their vet about whether there's scope for vaccination and how to go about that. When discussing vaccines it is important to note that these won't stop bluetongue infection, but they are expected to reduce the severity of clinical signs

The podcast is available now on the AMTRA website and will be freely available for anyone to access, not just AMTRA RAMAs. It is vital that the whole profession can relay this important discussion across SQPs/RAMAs, vets and farmers.  Bluetongue podcast - AMTRA

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