VetTeamAMR to launch at a series of free events

We are excited to announce the launch of VetTeamAMR, an initiative to empower veterinary teams with knowledge and tools to tackle the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

AMR poses a serious risk to both humans and animals, and RCVS Knowledge is dedicated to working with veterinary stakeholders and practices to mitigate this risk.

Through VetTeamAMR, we will offer free, evidence-based resources and tools to support responsible antimicrobial use by equine, companion, and farm teams.

We are hosting a series of free events to launch VetTeamAMR, with the first taking place on Tuesday 6 June 2023 at 7:00 pm (BST). The event will explore the issue of AMR in equine medicine and launch the VetTeamAMR materials specifically for equine veterinary teams.

The online event will include talks from:

• April Lawson from the University of Liverpool with an update on antimicrobial resistance in UK equine bacteriology submissions.
• Bruce Bladon, hospital director at Donnington Grove Veterinary Group in Newbury on antimicrobial use in UK equine practices.
• Gillian Perkins of Cornell University on antimicrobial use in equine respiratory disease.
• Nathan Slovis, Director of the McGee Medical Center at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Lexington, Kentucky, on antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance in foals.

Tim Mair, VetTeamAMR Equine Clinical Lead at RCVS Knowledge will introduce the VetTeamAMR initiative for equine veterinary teams in the UK, which includes the free Antimicrobial Audit Tool and Learning Platform. The tool is designed to support continuous improvements in national antimicrobial stewardship efforts.

Farm Vet Champions, part of VetTeamAMR, launched in 2021 and provides farm veterinary teams with free CPD, a SMART goals tool and a collective community. It has successfully supported veterinary teams to improve antimicrobial stewardship in the farm sector.

The next event will take place on Tuesday 20 June and will focus on the VetTeamAMR tools and resources for companion animal teams.

Part funded by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, VetTeamAMR brings together a community of veterinary teams and stakeholders from companion, equine and farm backgrounds, to unite and implement material changes to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on a national scale. Working alongside expert veterinary professionals, VetTeamAMR has been created for veterinary professionals, by veterinary professionals.

Tim Mair, VetTeamAMR Equine Clinical Lead said, “Antimicrobial resistance is a huge global issue that can only be controlled through a One Health approach. We are seeing increasing resistance problems in bacterial isolates from many animals including horses, and we must all play our part in using antimicrobials responsibly to preserve their effectiveness both in our patients and ourselves. VetTeamAMR will provide colleagues with the knowledge and tools to support antimicrobial stewardship in everyday practice.”

Chris Gush, Executive Director at RCVS Knowledge said, “AMR is a hugely important issue for us at RCVS Knowledge and we are pleased to be able to provide veterinary teams with free tools and resources to support the responsible use of antimicrobials.

“Antibiotics remain the primary treatment for potentially fatal bacterial infections. Yet inappropriate use of antibiotics has led to resistance that has created a global animal and human health emergency.”.

“With busy veterinary practices in mind, we have worked alongside veterinary experts to create accessible and user-friendly VetTeamAMR tools and resources and we encourage all UK veterinary practices to get involved.”

As part of the VetTeamAMR launch, you can join the first free event featuring expert speakers from around the world, who will discuss critical topics related to antimicrobial resistance in equine practice and learn more about how VetTeamAMR can benefit your team.

Register to attend the free online equine VetTeamAMR launch event here.