Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is becoming a global problem in both human and veterinary medicine. Antimicrobials (antibiotics) are essential when treating certain conditions, but bacteria are becoming resistant to many of these medications. Resistance occurs when bacteria develop defences against antibiotic medications, making treatments less effective when we really need them. The genes that confer resistance to bacteria can pass from animals to people and vice versa, so its vital that we do everything possible to reduce the spread of resistant bacteria not only in ourselves and in our horses, but also in the environment.
Some of the most important things that we must do are to avoid the inappropriate use and disposal of antimicrobials (as well as other medications). It can be very tempting to not finish a course of treatment if things look better or to save a few ‘just in case’, or even use out of date treatments, but inappropriate use of these medications when they are not essential is a huge factor in driving AMR.
We can all do our bit to help keep these medications as effective as possible. The correct disposal of out of date or partially used antibiotics is a really simple way we can help avoid resistance, environmental contamination and adversely affecting local wildlife.
The veterinary profession has come together to do everything possible to ensure these medications remain effective when we really need them. As part of this, during November, we are running an ‘Antibiotic Amnesty’. As part of World AMR Awareness Week (18th - 24th November), we are running an ‘Antibiotic Amnesty’. We are asking you to return any unused, partially used or out of date antibiotics for us to safely dispose of them. Please hand them to your vet if we visit you on your yard or drop them in to the clinic if you have an appointment or are passing.
Together we can help make sure we have effective medications for the future.