A pioneering Welsh programme to reduce antimicrobial resistance in livestock and the environment has been recognised at an international awards presentation.

At the Antibiotic Guardian event in Birmingham, Arwain DGC was named overall winner in two categories ‘Animal Health, Agriculture & Food Supply’ and ‘Innovation and Technology’ and had been shortlisted for ‘Public Engagement’ for its particpation in the ‘One Wales, One Health’ campaign.

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.

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.

Dewi Hughes, Mentera Animal Health Services Manager and Arwain DGC programme manager, said, “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."

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. Iestyn Tudur-Jones 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 utilising technology has been recognised among such strong entries from both the animal and human sectors –

“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.”