News30 June 2026
The challenge of proving and then improving responsible antibiotic stewardship (ABS) in the ruminant sector is being tackled today (Tuesday 30 June) at a summit hosted by RCVS Knowledge. The event, which is being opened by Lord Trees, is the culmination of work carried out by a cross-sector working group to co-develop a ‘roadmap’ to support the UK ruminant sector in evidencing responsible antibiotic usage (ABU). It will be attended by leading figures from the dairy, beef and sheep industries, as well as government representatives from the devolved nations.
The working group leading this initiative is co-chaired by David Black (BCVA President), Mark Jelley (Cattle Antibiotic Guardian Group – CAGG) and Fiona Lovatt (Sheep Antibiotic Guardian Group – SAGG and Farm Vet Champions clinical lead, RCVS Knowledge), and is supported through the AMAST Network and its flexible fund initiative, sponsored by UKRI. It has brought together stakeholder views and insights from across all parts of the ruminant sector via an industry survey, workshops and focus groups – the findings of which will inform the content of the summit.
Attendees will be focused on reviewing the ideas and challenges generated so far through the research, which takes into account a range of stakeholder views and current systems and practices. The aim being to shape a practical plan (roadmap) containing actionable strategies to enable better demonstration of stewardship to drive sustained progress.
In cattle and sheep, despite strong stewardship efforts and relatively low levels of antibiotic use, proving that story at scale remains difficult. The diversity of systems, the volume and spread of enterprises across the nations, and the practical challenge of collecting meaningful data, all make this complex. As well as its role in tackling AMR, there are many other key factors as to why the ruminant sectors need to be able to effectively demonstrate responsible antibiotic use, be that for trade purposes, consumer confidence and to continue to demonstrate the UK’s high health and welfare standards in farming.
As part of his opening speech, Lord Trees will issue a challenge to those assembled to use their expertise to support the development of an effective plan:
“In the UK we have made great progress in reducing veterinary antibiotic usage. The use of antibiotics as growth promoters has been banned since 2006. Antibiotic use in food-producing animals has fallen by 57% since 2014 – all achieved voluntarily and through significant cross sector collaboration. That is a huge achievement, and it reflects years of commitment, professionalism and change across the sector.
“But progress on its own is not enough. We must also be able to demonstrate it clearly, confidently, and consistently, and continue to set an exemplary example to maintain further progress, to assure our public of what we are doing and to lead the world in this battle against AMR.”
The eventual roadmap aims to influence what data is collected, how it is reported, and how responsible use is demonstrated nationally, taking into account the following key elements:
- Demonstrating the good work already happening on farms
- Ensuring data collection is proportionate, practical and fair
- Making antibiotic use records useful at farm and vet practice level
- Protecting the reputation and future of the UK ruminant sector.
Fiona Lovatt, speaking ahead of the event, noted that: ‘The issues facing the ruminant sectors are many and they are complex. They involve data, yes, but beyond that, good stewardship involves people and conversations and collaboration. We’ve been able to treat bacterial conditions for the last 80 years – what an incredible privilege. Now is the time for everyone in the room to work together to acknowledge and evidence the responsible approach we take to being the gatekeepers of veterinary medicines.’
RCVS Knowledge will publish the roadmap in the autumn and will actively seek opportunities to keep working with the ruminant sector to put its recommendations into action.
