Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance together – World AMR Awareness Week 2023
3 November 2023
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses a grave threat to humans and domestic animals alike, and if left unchecked it could leave antibiotics completely ineffective at treating infections. This would take us back to a pre-antibiotic world where minor infections are deadly for humans and animals.
Inappropriate use of antibiotics contributes to AMR, so anyone who has the authority to prescribe them has a duty to do so responsibly.
That’s why we hope you’ll join us in marking World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) from the 18-24 November and continue making positive changes in the ways you prescribe and administer antibiotics in practice.
The practical and evidence-based resources below will help you in your fight against AMR:
Free AMR learning resources on companion animal, equine and farm animal
Our learning platform provides a substantial selection of bite sized free CPD for companion animal, equine, and farm animal veterinary professionals to help you and your team use antimicrobials more responsibly.
Free SMART Goals Tool
Setting actionable goals is a key step towards responsible use of antimicrobials. The UK government’s 5-year action plan to tackle AMR commits to goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART). Use our free SMART Goals tool, primarily for Farm Vet Champions, to work together within your teams and across your UK networks, to achieve positive change.
Start auditing your equine antibiotic use with our free tool
To make positive changes, you first need to understand your current use of antimicrobials. Use our audit tool to build your understanding of your current prescribing behaviours and identify areas where you can make changes.
Sign up for the Antibiotic Audit Tool
Join the Antibiotic Amnesty movement
Many of your clients could be unwittingly contributing to AMR by holding onto any unused antibiotics they were prescribed for their pet. Discourage the misuse and inappropriate disposal of antibiotics by asking them to return any antimicrobials to your practice during November’s Antibiotic Amnesty.
Download the resources to get you started
Explore all of our AMR resources in one convenient location
Want to get started on fighting AMR but unsure where to begin? On our AMR Hub, you will find freely accessible, evidence-based knowledge and resources about responsible antimicrobial use, covering antibiotics and anti-parasiticides, including anthelmintics.
Take AMR on the move, and check out these podcasts
- Get an overview on AMR and how to tackle it
- Find out how to use our SMART goals tool to improve AMR stewardship in farm practice
- Listen to reflections on using antimicrobials responsibly during lambing season
Read an outstanding case example, and delve into the wider evidence
- Read about an award-winning case of a veterinary surgery that slashed its use of antimicrobials for cat bite abscesses without compromising welfare
- This RCVS Knowledge collection provides access to evidence and appropriate resources to support responsible antibiotic use
Watch our launch events to find out more about the services we offer
This virtual event features expert speakers from around the world discussing critical topics within veterinary medicine and antibiotic use:
Let us know how you’re getting involved
Get in touch with us on social media @rcvsknowledge on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn with the hashtag #WAAW2023 to let us know what you’re doing to fight AMR.