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RUMA CA&E releases Antibiotic Amnesty 2024 results
This year saw practices also drawing attention to the return of other medications.
The results were shared at this year’s BSAVA Congress.

The Responsible use of Medicines Alliance – Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E) has shared the statistics from Antibiotic Amnesty 2024, which took place last November.

During a press conference on 20 March 2025, RUMA CA&E revealed that 2,413 antibiotics, including tablets, topicals and injections, had been returned to participating practices during the campaign.

Antibiotic Amnesty 2024 marks the third year of RUMA CA&E’s One Health campaign. It aims to combat the inappropriate use or disposal of antibiotics, which can otherwise contribute to antimicrobial resistance.

RUMA CA&E says that, although 12 per cent fewer antibiotics were returned compared to 2023, it is still a significant total. Statistics showed that 2,148 tablets, 136 topicals, 47 injections and 82 liquids were returned throughout November 2024.

While the campaign is generally focused on the return of antibiotics, this year also saw practices lead discussions on the return of other medications.

Although no formal data was collected, many practices took the opportunity to extend the conversation to other unused veterinary medicines. Among the other medications returned were parasticides and hormones.

There were also reports of human drugs, including antacids and contraceptive pills, being returned during the campaign.

RUMA CA&E describes its survey as a ‘snapshot’ of the campaign, with its survey evaluation being a voluntary process for those who took part. It is considered likely that a greater number of practices did take part in the campaign, since there was a high number of practices which signed up for campaign information.

This year 333 additional practices signed up for information about the Antibiotic Amnesty campaign, bringing the total number of practices receiving campaign information to 650 practices. The volume of traffic to the campaign website also increased by 35 per cent compared to 2023.

Steve Howard, RUMA CA&E secretary general, said: “What is also pleasing to hear is that antimicrobial stewardship is becoming embedded into everyday language and behaviours in the practice environment, with a number of practices attributing the reduced level of returned antibiotics to the fact that less are being prescribed in the first place, plus the ongoing focus to educate owners about the safe use and disposal of animal medicines.

“I would like to thank the profession once again for supporting the Antibiotic Amnesty so enthusiastically.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
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UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.