Antibiotics are only effective against some types of bacterial infection and will not work against viral infections. Following the advice of veterinary professionals on medication is essential to ensure long-term access to antibiotics that work for us and our pets.
What is the veterinary sector doing?
Through ongoing efforts in the veterinary and agricultural sectors, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate reported a reduction in antibiotics in food-producing animals in the UK of 52%, and in dogs and cats of 23%, over the six years between 2014 and 2020.
There are many organisations actively involved in antibiotic stewardship, and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has collated resources for veterinary professionals in its RCVS Knowledge AMR hub.
What are Linnaeus practices doing for antibiotic stewardship?
Our practices recognise the importance of antibiotic stewardship. Our veterinary professionals are active in responsible pharmaceutical stewardship programmes. Currently, 88% of our small animal veterinary teams have completed a BSAVA PROTECT-ME poster since 2021. We also have an RCVS Knowledge Farm Vet Champion in every farm animal practice. In 2022, our vets are using audits and team discussions to implement best practice guidelines created by our Linnaeus Clinical Board experts for treatment of acute canine uncomplicated diarrhoea.
In 2021, our Safeguarding Antibiotics team created a series of posters and short videos to explain antimicrobial resistance, and to discuss what our vets and owners can do to support antibiotic stewardship. From 2021 to October 2022, Linnaeus has reduced the average milligrams of antibiotics purchased by 19%.
What can pet owners do?
For World Antimicrobial Awareness Week in November 2022, our veterinary practices joined NHS pharmacies in the Midlands, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and other veterinary groups such as RCVS Knowledge and RUMA CA&E to encourage owners to return unused or out-of-date antibiotics for appropriate disposal.
All of our Linnaeus practices will accept out-of-date or unused antibiotics and medicines. For a full list of our locations nationwide, please click here.
All medicines prescribed for humans can be returned to your local NHS pharmacy.
Look out for BSAVA non-prescription pads that our small animal veterinary teams are using to help our clients to understand antibiotic stewardship. If your pet is not improving after your visit to see the veterinary surgeon, if new symptoms are observed or if you have further concerns, we always encourage you to call or visit your practice.
Fergus Allerton, our Linnaeus Antibiotics Expert, and his team at Willows have also created a short educational animation, which was part of a research project demonstrating significant changes in owner’s attitudes after watching the video – you can view it below to understand your role as an antibiotic steward.
Our vets have also been contributing to research by enrolling in the SOS study led by Fergus – please support us by giving your informed consent to be involved in clinical research.
For more information about Linnaeus Safeguarding Antibiotics actions, please email