The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has called on horse owners to help research into antimicrobial resistance (AMR) monitoring.
Led by the University of Liverpool, the HealthyHorseAMR project will seek to uncover the most effective surveillance methods for AMR in horses.
The VMD-funded project has been exploring different ways of collecting equine samples with veterinary surgeons. It hopes to discover which approaches will support future representative surveillance of healthy horses.
The evidence collected is expected to help researchers to better understand how resistant bacteria circulates, which could support the early identification of emerging AMR.
As the study moves into its second phase, the researchers will be employing citizen science to develop their findings. Horse owners and keepers in England, as well as others responsible for horses, are therefore invited to contribute to the research directly.
Participants will be invited to complete a questionnaire from the researchers, and will be asked to provide a faecal sample from their horse. They will receive a sampling pack through the post, including instructions and pre-paid return packaging.
Gina Pinchbeck, from the veterinary epidemiology department at the University of Liverpool, said: “We are very excited to be working on this project at the University of Liverpool, building on previous expertise in equine AMR surveillance including ongoing work within the Equine Veterinary Surveillance Network (EVSNET).
“The HealthyHorseAMR project will provide much-needed up to date evidence and inform the best methods for horse recruitment and sampling for future surveillance efforts.
“This is an important step towards a One Health AMR surveillance system in the UK, and we encourage everyone within the equine industry to get involved.”
HealthyHorseAMR is the latest in a series of AMR studies which have been funded by the VMD. In 2025, the agency funded an SRUC-led study into AMR surveillance in healthy cats and dogs.
The projects form part of the UK’s National Action Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance 2024, specifically its commitments to strengthen AMR surveillance. The UK is hoping to contain, control and mitigate AMR by 2040.
Tamsin Dewé, head of AMR surveillance and evidence at the VMD, said: “The VMD is proud to support innovative research to protect animal and human health as we work towards comprehensive AMR surveillance across UK animal populations.
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Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
