Antibiotics are essential to treat many conditions in animals and people, but bacteria are becoming resistant to many antibiotics that we use in both human and veterinary medicine. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop defences that protect them from antibiotic medications and this makes treatment less effective. We must use antibiotics carefully to keep them working for when we need them most.

18^th-24^th November 2024 is World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week

The RVC Queen Mother Hospital for Animals is joining with a national campaign led by the Responsible use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA) and Companion Animal and Equine (CA&E) to encourage clients to return unused and out-of-date antibiotic medications that have been prescribed for pets. The amnesty will allow the correct and safe disposal of antibiotic medication which will avoid contamination of the environment, e.g. rivers, exposure of wildlife and aquatic life, and help to prevent inappropriate use. This is a joint initiative with human health care where many human pharmacies are also organising an amnesty for the return of antibiotics prescribed for humans. To find out more visit the RCVS Knowledge website.

What can you do to help?

• If you have any unused or out of date antibiotics (tablets, capsules or liquids) at home that have previously been prescribed for one of your pets, please bring them with you to your appointment at the QMHA.
• Please give them to the veterinary surgeon who you see for your appointment, and they will be able to dispose of them for you. Please note that we are only able to dispose of medicines prescribed for your pets.
• If you return antibiotics to us, why not post on social media and help raise awareness using the hashtag #AntibioticAmnesty