Researchers from the Royal Veterinary College are asking vets to take part in a survey to gather the views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

The survey is part an initiative designed to bring together the UK ruminant sector to co-develop a roadmap which will champion animal health and welfare solutions that promote and demonstrate responsible antibiotic stewardship.

It is also designed to find out  exactly what ruminant antibiotic use data is needed at both farm-level and national reporting level so that data collected delivers value to farms and vet practices.   

Mark Jelley, Chair of Cattle Antibiotic Guardian Group (pictured) said: “Farmers are already required to record their purchase and use of veterinary medicines but turning this requirement into evidence of responsible use while also being confident that data is being used responsibly is challenging.  

“Other food producing species in the UK can demonstrate their medicine use with confidence and many competitor nations are now legislating for this data collection too - the ruminant sector is at risk of being left behind.”  

Anyone working in the UK ruminant sector - from vets and farmers to government employees and academics - is encouraged to complete the survey, which is open till 28th February 2026.

https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/rvc/uk-ruminant-antibiotic-stewardship-roadmap

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