New survey seeks views from ruminant sector on antimicrobial stewardship

A survey launched as part of the ruminant roadmap initiative is seeking the views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship (ABS).

The survey is part of the first stage of the collaborative initiative, which is bringing together the UK ruminant sector to co-develop a roadmap which will champion animal health and welfare solutions that promote and demonstrate responsible antibiotic stewardship. It will also promote data with purpose: defining exactly what ruminant antibiotic use data is needed at both farm-level and national reporting level so that data collected delivers clear value to farms and vet practices and is collated and shared appropriately.

The information gathered through this survey will help to identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed, while providing as much value as possible back to farmers and veterinary practices.

Alongside insights gathered through workshops and a summit event, the survey results will shape a practical plan to improve how things are currently done, ultimately in support of protecting animal health and welfare and our important export market.

 In a video message supporting the launch of the survey, Mark Jelley, Chair of Cattle Antibiotic Guardian Group (CAGG) said: “Farmers are already required to record their purchase and use of veterinary medicines but turning this requirement into evidence of responsible use while also being confident that data is being used responsibly is challenging.

 “Other food producing species in the UK can demonstrate their medicine use with confidence and many competitor nations are now legislating for this data collection too – the ruminant sector is at risk of being left behind.”

Anyone working in the UK ruminant sector – from vets and farmers to government employees and academics – is encouraged to complete the survey. It is vital that stakeholders across all ruminant sectors and all areas of the UK share their views, to ensure the solutions suggested are designed with everyone’s input.

The survey is open until 28 February 2026 and can be accessed here.