This year at the annual BEVA Congress, we are launching a survey to investigate antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance in equine veterinary practice. The survey is directed at all veterinary surgeons who are BEVA members, with all participants able to enter a free prize draw for £500 BEVA CPD Vouchers!

Antimicrobials are an essential tool for maintaining the health and welfare of horses suffering from bacterial infections, as a result we must endeavour to protect their usage and maintain their effectiveness in equine populations.

To achieve this we need to understand both how antimicrobials are being used in equine practice and the current landscape of resistant infections encountered in equine practice.  However, there is a lack of current information about these issues in equine practice.

Following on from a survey  of antimicrobial prescribing in equine practice in 2009  (Hughes, L. A., Pinchbeck, G. et al  Equine Veterinary Journal ) this survey will allow us to assess any  changes in prescribing of antimicrobials in the last 10 years and get a current picture of prescribing in equine practice. 

In addition we will collect data on the current frequency and types of antimicrobial resistant infections seen by clinicians in all areas of equine practice and what infection control and audit practices are currently using to combat this. 

This information will lead to a greater understanding of the role of antimicrobial treatment in the overall epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in horses and will help protect antibiotics for the future of equine and human health.

If you are an equine vet, we would be really grateful to receive your input into this survey. The survey will be available to complete at BEVA Congress at the BEVA stand, or if you would prefer to complete the survey in your own time, the link will be available on the congress daily e-News and congress app and will also be circulated after congress.

If you have any questions about the survey, feel free to talk to us at the BEVA stand or by contacting the researchers using the details below.

Amie Wilson

University of Liverpool

Leahurst Campus

Chester High Road

CH64 7TE

Email A.wilson3@liv.ac.uk

Dr Gina Pinchbeck

Institute of Infection and Global Health

Leahurst Campus

Chester High Road

CH64 7TE

Email ginap@liv.ac.uk

Tim Mair

British Equine Veterinary Association

Mulberry House

31 Market Street,

Fordham Ely,

Ely

CB7 5LQ

Email tim.mair@btinternet.com