Cross-sectoral alliance formed to promote the responsible use of veterinary medicines
Abstract
Inspired by the success of the UK farm animal sector in reducing antibiotic use during the past 5 years, the recently formed RUMA Companion Animal and Equine Alliance will draw on the agriculture sector's learnings to help further protect important medicines for future human and animal use.
Created from the leadership and vision of the Responsible use of Medicines in Agriculture (RUMA) Alliance, which has helped to halve the use of antibiotics to treat UK farm animals and has seen the use of highest priority critically important antibiotics in animals reduce by 79% since 2014, the RUMA Companion Animal & Equine (RUMA CA&E) Alliance has been established to define the principles of responsible use of medicines in the companion animal and equine sectors, with a view to contributing positively to the One Health agenda.
This new collaboration covers the responsible use of medicines in dogs, cats, rabbits, small mammals, exotic animals kept as pets, and equids. The aim is for the UK to lead the way in these sectors through evidence-based and measurable activities that will promote and enhance stewardship. RUMA CA&E will focus initially on the responsible use of antibiotics.
The alliance has appointed a Chair, Gwyn Jones, who brings previous experience from The Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture (RUMA) Alliance, and includes important representation and support from the British Veterinary Association, British Small Animal Veterinary Association, British Equine Veterinary Assocation, British Veterinary Zoological Society and other veterinary professional associations, regulators, academia, industries and many of the leading stakeholders from these sectors.
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