Programme to Tackle Antibiotic Resistance Wins Awards
Arwain DGC's pioneering work to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock and the environment in Wales has been recognised at an international awards presentation.
The Antibiotic Guardian 2024/25 Shared Learning & Awards champions organisations and individuals who have 'demonstrated achievements in tackling antimicrobial resistance at a local, regional, or national level'.
Arwain DGC (Defnydd Gwrthficrobaidd Cyfrifol / Responsible Antimicrobial Use) is a Welsh Government-funded programme led by Mentera, dedicated to preventing antibiotic resistance in animals and the environment by supporting farmers and vets through data-driven decisions, innovative technologies, and best practices.
Arwain DGC was shortlisted in three categories at the Antibiotic Guardian event in Birmingham – 'Animal Health, Agriculture & Food Supply', 'Innovation and Technology', and 'Public Engagement'.
Arwain DGC was named overall winner in two categories 'Animal Health, Agriculture & Food Supply' and 'Innovation and Technology'.
The programme's work in creating a coordinated approach to AMR for livestock and the environment in Wales earned Arwain DGC its award in the 'Animal Health, Agriculture & Food Supply' category.
The 'Innovation and Technology' category award recognised Arwain's work with project partner Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers to produce an antimicrobial use (AMU) calculator, which has yielded vital data on antibiotic use on farms in Wales.
While the nomination in the 'Public Engagement' category was for Arwain's participation in the 'One Wales, One Health' campaign – a partnership between Public Health Wales, Arwain DGC, and primary and secondary care organisations throughout Wales
Dewi Hughes, Mentera Animal Health Services Manager and Arwain DGC programme manager, said:
'We are absolutely delighted and incredibly proud that Arwain DGC's work has been recognised alongside such strong entries from both the animal and human health fields. This recognition demonstrates how integral reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is for One Health.
'These awards reflect the commitment and skill of Arwain DGC's programme partners across the agricultural industry and academia and demonstrate the work they have undertaken to challenge AMR in livestock and the environment in Wales.
'We would like to thank all the farmers and vets who are involved in Arwain DGC, without whom we wouldn't be able to do what we do.'
Iestyn Tudur-Jones representing Welsh Lamb & Beef Producers Ltd, which is a partner in the Arwain DGC programme, said:
'We are absolutely delighted and incredibly proud that the commitment and dedication that Welsh farmers working with their vets to evidence their antibiotic usage by utilizing technology has been recognised among such strong entries from both the animal and human sectors – Welsh Lamb & Beef Producers farmer members through the Farm Assured Welsh Livestock scheme working in conjunction with their vets are leading the UK and Europe in evidencing the use of antibiotics responsibly.
'Not only does this demonstrate the work they have undertaken to challenge AMR in livestock and the environment in Wales but it goes a long way to evidence and underpin the production credentials of our livestock sector in Wales. A true team effort – with farmers taking responsibility and being supported by industry partners and government.'
AMR is classed as a global 'One Health' challenge, and there are calls for urgent multisectoral action. AMR has been described by The World Health Organisation as an issue where 'without urgent action, we are heading for a post-antibiotic era, in which common infections and minor injuries can once again kill'.
Launched in 2014, the One Health Antibiotic Guardian Campaign started as an online action-based pledge system to increase engagement in tackling AMR through improving knowledge and changing behaviour across human and animal health. Previous award winners have included UK and multinational companies and organisations.
Arwain DGC's goal is to continue positioning Wales as a global leader in the fight against AMR by nurturing collaboration, promoting innovation, and sharing knowledge to ensure that antibiotics remain effective for animal and human health for future generations.
Working with farmers, veterinarians, researchers, and industry experts, Arwain DGC implements a comprehensive, coordinated approach to reducing AMR. Activities include the promotion of antimicrobial stewardship, technological innovation, antimicrobial use monitoring, AMR surveillance, and knowledge exchange.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Argus
an hour ago
- South Wales Argus
Rhianon Passmore MS welcomes rail funding from UK Government
This plan will encompass the construction of new railway stations at the following locations: Newport West, Somerton, Llanwern, Magor & Undy and Cardiff East. This development is welcome news for Welsh jobs and transport. The railway line and service connecting Ebbw Vale to Newport and Cardiff has been recognised as crucial rail infrastructure for Southeast Wales. This expansion will further enhance this infrastructure, providing more individuals with the opportunity to utilise rail services. In addition to rectifying the inadequacy of HS2 consequential funding, this investment will significantly enhance transport options in Southeast Wales. This is particularly pertinent given the congestion experienced on the M4 and escalating demands on the local transport infrastructure because of much-needed housing. This significant development has the potential to influence employment opportunities and provide increased avenues for skill acquisition. This is imperative for Gwent communities. It was critically important news that the United Kingdom Government announced it was restoring winter fuel allowance payments to more than nine million pensioners across Wales and England. The payment worth £300 will be restored. Anyone with an income of under £35,000 a year will receive it automatically. Those with an income of above the £35,000 threshold will also receive the payment, but it will then be reclaimed from them in tax. The right thing to do. Rachel Reeves has announced that the United Kingdom Government will deliver to Wales £118 million over the next three financial years to keep coal tips safe across Wales. This is a particular issue for post-industrial communities throughout Islwyn. Coal tips remediated (as coal mining ended) face maintenance issues impacted by climate change. The Welsh Government has previously stated £600 million is needed to remediate and remove Wales's coal tips. Currently, Wales has around £221 million allocated to this endeavour, and it is a challenge that will take decades to address. My position though, remains clear. Whilst we aim to remediate and remove historic Welsh coal tips, this can NOT be achieved at the expense of Islwyn communities. I stand with the people of Cwmfelinfach in expressing my strong opposition to the removal of coal at Mynydd Y Grug in Bedwas. No private company should seek to make a financial gain at the detriment of the public usage of the much-loved and valued Sirhowy County Park. Finally, I was delighted to see a famous son of Islwyn recognised. Rugby legend John Dawes, a son of Abercarn, is among 288 people who have been added to the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. John Dawes died in 2021, but his name will live forever, and his inclusion in this prestige publication acknowledges his impact within the history of the United Kingdom. Rhianon Passmore, Member of the Senedd for Islwyn.
South Wales Argus
an hour ago
- South Wales Argus
Cwmbran's Green & Co Accountants named best firm in Wales
Cwmbran-based Green & Co was awarded Independent Accounting Practice of the Year at the Finance Awards Wales, held at the Mercure Holland House in Cardiff. The awards, which drew a record number of nominations across 15 categories, celebrate excellence across the Welsh finance sector. Judges praised Green & Co for its 'resilience, ambition and innovation.' Nick Park, director at Green & Co, said: "To be named Independent Accounting Practice of the Year is a huge honour, and a major milestone of our growth the past two years. "We share this award with our entire team; the dedication and expertise shown by our colleagues is what makes Green & Co so special and we're delighted to have that recognised amongst our peers. "We're proud to play a part in the future of Welsh finance and grateful to be recognised among such incredible talent." The firm was founded in 1993 by Hugh Green with the philosophy of helping clients grow their businesses and save on tax. More than 25 years later, that same mantra remains at the core of its work. Matt Hyde, founder of Finance Awards Wales, said: "Each year, the bar rises, and 2025 was no different. "The calibre of talent on show was simply phenomenal. "Congratulations to all our winners and finalists – you truly represent the best of the sector." Green & Co is now managed by Mr Park, Ed Gooderham, and Scott Harris. Backed by a team of more than 40 employees, the practice continues to grow and support a growing client base across Wales and beyond.
Leader Live
8 hours ago
- Leader Live
Wrexham's new museum will celebrate Welsh football
One of the city's landmark buildings, the County Buildings, formerly the home of Wrexham Museum, is being transformed into a new 'Museum of Two Halves'. Set to open in 2026, the 'two halves' of the new museum will include an enhanced and expanded museum for Wrexham, alongside a new football museum for Wales. New galleries are being created to display the Wrexham Museum collections, which means an enhanced experience for visitors and a first-class, modern venue for discovering the fascinating and eventful story of our region of North East Wales. Artist impression of the atrium at the new museum. Image courtesy of Haley Sharpe Wrexham is often referred to as 'the spiritual home of Welsh football'. As well as being home to the now world-famous Wrexham AFC, it's also the birthplace of the Football Association of Wales (FAW). The museum is custodian to the Welsh Football Collection - the largest collection of Welsh football memorabilia held in public ownership in Wales. The new football museum will celebrate Welsh football, past and present, in all its diversity, from grassroots clubs to the national teams, as well as highlighting Wrexham's historic achievements in the sport. Read more: The museum is being developed by Wrexham Council's museum team in association with museum designers, Haley Sharpe Design, architects Purcell and contractors SWG Construction, The Hub Consulting Limited, Goppion and Heritage Interactive. Funding support for the museum is provided by Wrexham Council, Welsh Government, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, UK Government and the Wolfson Foundation. To create a state-of-the-art museum of requires a significant redevelopment of the existing building - inside and out. As well as developing a fantastic new museum, this is also very much a conservation project that will see the 167-year-old, Grade II listed building restored to its former glory. A wall under repair at the building during when it served as a police station, Regent Street, July 1965. Great care is being taken to unveil the most significant features of the building, while ensuring public access and enhancing accessibility, wellbeing and learning opportunities: • All the stonework on the outside of the building (including the iconic turrets and chimneys) is being thoroughly cleaned, and repaired where necessary. Repairs have also taken place to the roof where required. • The inner courtyard is being transformed into a new, two-storey atrium with a brand new roof and new walkways. The steelwork is now in place, concrete has been poured and access has been developed from the atrium to the new galleries. • New internal walls and ceilings are now being installed - a new look and an expanded layout for the new museum. • The cafe and shop space on the front courtyard are also being totally revamped - new steelwork for these areas has now been put in place and a new zinc roof replacing the glass roof which will enhance the café area. • A new electrical infrastructure has been installed including more efficient heating systems and the installation of PV panels to improve energy efficiency. • Where possible original features have been retained and original bricks reused to retain and enhance the historical features of the building. • A new lift shaft is in place, ready for the installation of the new lift car. • New lifts and fully accessible toilets have been included and the spaces have been created ready for fitting out, improving accessibility around the building. • New windows have been installed, where original windows couldn't be retained in keeping with the building, where possible original windows and doors have been retained. Contractors are working closely with the project team to design, develop and construct the interior spaces of the museum, including the new galleries, the shop, and the impressive atrium space in the centre of the building which has been opened up to its full size for the first time since the 1970's. Work underway at Wrexham's 'Museum of Two Halves'. Image by Craig Colville for WCBC Development of the audio and visual parts of the galleries is now taking place, including the production of new film footage. Wrexham's new museum is being specifically designed to be a welcoming, accessible, community-focused space where everyone will be welcome. Developing the museum will be an opportunity to create new ways to celebrate and explore the history of Wrexham, Wales and Welsh football. The aim will be to appeal to brand new audiences who may not have visited the museum previously, alongside loyal existing visitors. Read more: This work to reach these new audiences has already started. While the building work continues to progress on site, the team have been busy organising learning and engagement activities in Wrexham and across the country to help spread the word about the new museum. The Football Museum Wales Roadshow has been touring regions of Wales over the last few weeks and have had a terrific response, including Porthmadog, Mold, Chirk, Oswestry (well, it's nearly Wales), Bangor, Caernarfon - and Wrexham of course. The team has also been engaging with local schools - Bronington VAP School and Rhosddu Primary School were among the first to visit the new Wrexham Museum Collections Store. Here they planned their own museums, made Roman mosaics, played football, listened to a professional storyteller, did yoga, got up close and personal with Paul Mullin and Gareth Bale's football shirts, and even helped to choose a brand new mascot for the museum. Read more: Cllr Paul Roberts, Wrexham Council's Lead Member for Partnerships, said: "In what is shaping up to be a fantastic year for culture in Wrexham, it's a tremendously exciting time for the city to see such great progress being made to transform one of our most iconic buildings into a state of the art visitor attraction. "The new museum will be a hub for our entire community, a place where residents and thousands of new visitors can come together to learn and explore - a fantastic new resource for everyone who lives here and another boost to the city's flourishing national and international profile. "As well as the great building progress on site, the museum team have also been busy organising engagement events across the country as part of the vital work to reach new audiences and ensure that everyone will be encouraged to visit when the museum opens next year. This work will include a significant presence on the Maes of the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham this August." To find out more: • Visit the Museum Pop-Up space on Queen's Square (just behind the benches opposite Caffè Nero) to view the design plans for the museum and speak to the museum team. We also have a range of unique gifts, books, cards and more for sale, all inspired by our exhibitions and Wrexham's local history. • The Museum Courtyard Cafe has relocated to a temporary location at Tŷ Pawb's Food Court, while the museum building is closed for redevelopment. The menu still includes the usual range of delicious home-made light meals, coffees, sandwiches, soups, cakes and irresistible desserts! Wrexham Archives has now relocated to a new, permanent home at Wrexham Library.
