Last year’s campaign secured the return of 2,148 antibiotic tablets.
Veterinary practices across the UK are being encouraged to educate clients about the potential harms of storing unused or unwanted veterinary medicines in their homes.
The call from the Responsible Use of Animals Alliance comes ahead of its annual Animal Medicines Amnesty (formally known as the Antibiotic Amnesty), taking place in November.
During the campaign, practices will also be encouraged to share the risks of using veterinary medicines at a later date on their pets, and the harmful environmental impacts of disposing of them via domestic waste or into sewage.
Steve Howard, secretary general of the RUMA Companion Animal and Equine Alliance, said: “Reducing the threat of AMR through responsible disposal of Antibiotics will still form a core focus of the campaign messaging, but RUMA CA&E and the campaign stakeholders recognise the need to broaden the message to educate owners on the appropriate use and disposal of all medicines, not just antibiotics.
“That’s why we have evolved the campaign this year to include any veterinary medicines. Some of the campaign’s focus for example, will now be on the appropriate use and disposal of parasiticides, that’s particularly important after recent research findings identifying the presence of some of these products in waterways.”
RUMA hopes the campaign will drive participation, not only across the veterinary profession but also in support of educating pet owners about their crucial role in medicines stewardship.
Last year’s campaign secured the return of 2,148 antibiotic tablets, 136 topical preparations, 47 injections and 82 bottles of oral liquid preparations. Other medications, such as parasiticides and hormones, were also returned.
Steve continued: “We would encourage practices right across the UK to get involved - a toolkit is available on the RUMA CA&E website which has everything practices need to take part. We will be doing all we can to share the campaign far and wide to raise as much awareness, engagement and participation as possible.”
This year's Animal Medicines Amnesty is sponsored by Zoetis.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
