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RUMA launches companion animal and equine progress report
The report details 12 months of work by the RUMA CA&E Targets and Measures Working Group.

The report details national metrics for measuring antibiotic use in dogs and cats. 

The RUMA Companion Animal and Equine Alliance (RUMA C&E) has released its first Annual Progress Report detailing national metrics for measuring antibiotic use in dogs and cats.

Highlighting 12 months of work by the newly-formed RUMA CA&E Targets and Measures Working Group (T&MWG), the report also identifies four priority areas for tackling antibiotic use in companion animals, including:

  • cat bite acscess
  • kennel cough
  • acute diarrhoea
  • cat flu.

The scenarios are based on areas where there is thought to be the most scope for improving antibiotic stewardship, especially when using the Highest Priority Critically Important Antibiotics.

Established in 2020, the RUMA C&E was formed to define the principles of responsible use of medicines in the companion animal and equine sectors, with a view to positively contributing to the One Health Agenda. With input from stakeholders, including the T&MWG, the report identifies three focus areas for measuring antibiotic use in dogs and cats, namely:

  • reducing the inappropriate use of antibiotics in the companion animal sector at a national and practice level
  • data collection and protocols at a practice level
  • promoting best practice and knowledge exchange.

RUMA CA&E chair Gwyn Jones, said: “These are important building blocks we are putting in place which will provide benchmarks and baselines, and in time, evidence of progress towards achieving the Government’s 20-year vision and five-year national plan for how the UK will contribute to containing and controlling AMR.

“Whilst we acknowledge there are many complex challenges to take into account across the companion animal and equine sectors when it comes to antibiotic stewardship, what is recognised is the opportunity that exists to make a positive impact on AMR and protect the role of antibiotics in both human and animal health for the future.”

The findings of the report will help inform the foundation of ongoing work, including the creation of an Independent Scientific Group (ISC), understanding the capabilities for standardising data and recording drug availability and prevalence data on conditions that require antibiotics.

The full report is available at rumacae.co.uk

Image (C) RUMA.

 

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.