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Veterinary sector comes together again for Antibiotic Amnesty this November

There are early signs indicating even more practices have signed up for 2024 campaign, which encourages the public to return out-of-date and unused antibiotics to help tackle the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

This November, for the third year running, the veterinary profession is coming together again to run the Antibiotic Amnesty campaign which encourages the public to return out-of-date and unused antibiotics to help tackle the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The campaign focuses on safe use and disposal of these important medicines in order to address AMR and prevent environmental pollution.

Steve Howard, Secretary General of RUMA CA&E, which is running the campaign, says: “We have seen hundreds of new practices sign up to the campaign this year – that’s over and above those that took part last year who we hope will once again be supporting the initiative. There is still plenty of time for veterinary practices to get ready to participate throughout November. The amnesty provides a great opportunity for the profession to further demonstrate its commitment to tackling AMR and educating pet owners on this important matter.”

The amnesty, which is this year being part sponsored by Zoetis, sees a collaboration of UK veterinary organisations, practices and charities coming together to help raise awareness of a number of important elements around the safe use and disposal of antibiotics. An online toolkit has been developed containing a range of educational materials including leaflets, posters and animations, which veterinary practices are being encouraged to display throughout November.

Steve adds: “As a profession we not only have a duty of care to prescribe antibiotics responsibly, something the profession already takes very seriously, but we also have a role in educating pet owners on AMR. This includes discussing with them why antibiotics aren’t always the right solution if a pet is ill and if they are, how they should be used and that disposing of any leftovers needs to be done responsibly via a vet practice and not in household waste, which could contribute to antimicrobial resistance and pollute the environment.”

51 percent of UK adults own a pet and it is estimated that the nation has a population of 10.6 million pet dogs 10.8 million pet cats and around 800,000 pet rabbits. Whilst the veterinary profession is committed to the prudent use of antibiotics, there are times when pets do need these important medications and sometimes owners could end up with leftover medicine after treatment. Some owners have admitted to disposing of these medications in household waste, down the toilet or have even held on to them for potential use on other pets – none of which is safe for people, pets or the environment. Data from an owner survey in 2022 showed that most owners (94 percent) were aware that giving leftover antibiotics to their pet for another illness/ problem or to another animal, risked side effects. The most common reason owners gave for being left with unused antibiotics was the recovery of their pet before the end of the treatment course (21 percent). However, owners were less aware of the correct methods of disposal and the risks posed by environmental pollution, with a disturbing 46 percent having disposed of the antibiotics via household waste or down the sink or toilet, and 38 percent said they were holding on to them for potential future use.

Fast facts:

  • The 2023 veterinary arm of the Antibiotic Amnesty saw the return of over 2,458 antibiotic tablets (more than 3 times last years’ total), 160 oral antibiotic suspensions (no data from last year to compare), 119 topical preparations containing antibiotics (more than double last year)
  • An ongoing objective of the Antibiotic Amnesty is not only to raise awareness of the importance of safe antibiotic disposal but also to share the broader messaging around responsible use and the importance of ongoing antimicrobial stewardship (AMS).
  • The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity
  • The veterinary profession is already actively engaged in promoting prudent antimicrobial use and has a range of initiatives and resources available such as the Antibiotic Amnesty

Antibiotic Amnesty toolkit for practices

A campaign toolkit has been developed for practices and comprises a range of promotional support assets including reception posters, pre-written social media posts, newsletter content, practice guidance documents, client hand-outs, an animation for use on practice screens and social media, plus many more assets. There is also a guide advising practices of the practical steps they need to take to get ready for the campaign. Practices can also sign up to receive regular email updates about the campaign. The veterinary practice campaign toolkit can be accessed here.

The Antibiotic Amnesty is taking place during the entire month of November (2024), overlapping World Antibiotic Awareness Week (18-24 November).

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