BVNA are pleased to announce that we are once again supporting the Antibiotic Amnesty during the month of November. The campaign has started early with RUMA CA&E announcing that our Educational Partners, Zoetis, are once again supporting the campaign. Look out for posts on how you can get involved in the next few months as we gear up to be more successful than 2023.

The veterinary Antibiotic Amnesty, which is run by the Responsible use of Medicines Alliance – Companion Animal and Equine Alliance (RUMA CA&E) has announced the support of Zoetis. The leading animal health company is part sponsoring the 2024 campaign which will run again for the third year this November.

The Veterinary Antibiotic Amnesty encourages the public to return out-of-date and unused antibiotics to their veterinary practice to help tackle the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The amnesty is led by a collaboration of UK veterinary organisations, practices and charities to educate owners about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and raise awareness of the importance of the safe use and disposal of these important medicines in order to address AMR and prevent environmental pollution.

Steve Howard, Secretary General of The RUMA Companion Animal and Equine Alliance which runs the annual campaign says: “We are delighted that Zoetis has agreed to part sponsor the Veterinary Antibiotic Amnesty this year. Having their support will help further amplify the importance of the campaign and we are looking forward to working together to help encourage even more of the profession to sign up to take part.

“Any amount of returned antibiotics is a win and it means that these medicines can be disposed of safely, protecting the environment and preventing any complications from misuse.”

Jonny Lambert, BVetMed MRCVS, CA Veterinary Lead from Zoetis says: “Zoetis is delighted to be a sponsor for the 2024 Veterinary Antibiotic Amnesty campaign which is being delivered by the Responsible use of Medicines Alliance, Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E). Our vision at Zoetis is a world where veterinary antibiotics are used responsibly in animals, and where they maintain their value as a therapeutic tool. We are also committed to driving One Health collaboration, so for all these reasons, the Veterinary Antibiotic Amnesty aligns brilliantly with our ethos and ongoing One Health and antibiotic stewardship work.

“During the Antibiotic Amnesty campaign, veterinary practices across the UK are encouraged to share messages with pet owners about the potential harms of storing unused/unwanted antibiotics in their homes, the risks of sharing them or taking them at a later date, and the harmful environmental impact of disposing of them via domestic waste or into sewage. The campaign is a great way to focus attention and efforts both across the profession and in support of educating pet owners of the role they can also play in preventing AMR through AMS activities. We would encourage practices right across the UK to sign up to take part on the RUMA CA&E website. We will be doing all we can to share the campaign far and wide to raise as much awareness and engagement as possible.”

Overall, the 2023 veterinary Antibiotic Amnesty saw the return of over 2,458 antibiotic tablets (more than three times the 2022 total), 160 oral antibiotic suspensions (no data from 2022 to compare), 119 topical preparations containing antibiotics (more than double 2022), and 11 antibiotic injections (a small decrease on 2022). A range of antibiotic products including highest priority critically important antibiotics (fluoroquinolones) were also among the medicines returned.

The Antibiotic Amnesty is funded and project managed by RUMA CA&E. The Alliance has taken the amnesty on as a flagship campaign aligned to its vision and mission.

For more information visit: vet antibioticamnesty – RUMA CA&E (rumacae.org.uk)