Toolkit made available to help practices promote the campaign.

Veterinary practices are being encouraged to take part in this year’s Antibiotic Amnesty, as the scheme returns for a second year. Running throughout November, the campaign asks members of the public to return out-of-date and unused antibiotics.

To help practices promote the amnesty to their clients, the organisers have put together a campaign toolkit, which includes posters, newsletter content, and other promotional material, as well as practice guidance documents.

Organisations who have already signed up to support this year’s Antibiotic Amnesty include the British Veterinary Association, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.

By returning antibiotics to be disposed of safely, clients can help to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by limiting the risk of bacteria developing resistance to antibiotics through environmental contamination. A global study, published in 2019, found antibiotic residues in rivers around the world, including in the UK.

Professor Ian Ramsey, who is working on the campaign, said: “The Antibiotic Amnesty helps raise awareness of AMR with clients and will allow appropriate disposal and therefore help limit environmental pollution. It is also a great way for the profession to demonstrate its commitment to antimicrobial stewardship.
 
“It’s no secret that antibiotic residues have been detected in rivers around the world. Use of leftover or expired antibiotics could risk adverse effects and increase the risk of AMR if used for the wrong indication, and could delay a diagnosis.

“The Antibiotic Amnesty helps focus efforts and attention on AMR and we hope that by encouraging more practices to sign up this year we can educate owners, help reduce harm from inappropriate use, and protect the environment by encouraging safe disposal.”

If pet owners want to get rid of their unused antibiotics earlier, the campaign is encouraging them to do so. Since June 2023, it has been a regulatory requirement for veterinary practices to actively take back medicines under the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme at veterinary general practitioner level.

Veterinary surgeon Fergus Allerton, one of the organisers of the amnesty, said: “If owners have unused antibiotics in their cupboards today, then the next time they visit their vet practice, it’s fine to return the packets – and this is exactly what we would encourage pet owners to do.”

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