VMD-funded study calls on horse owners to help tackle antimicrobial resistance

VMD and University of Liverpool delivering new research to close a key gap in UK surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in horses

Horse owners across England are being invited to take part in a new study that will help researchers identify the best ways to monitor antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in healthy horses.

The HealthyHorseAMR project, led by the University of Liverpool and funded by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), aims to identify the most effective methods for surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in horses. It is the latest in a series of VMD-funded studies working to close known gaps in the UK’s AMR surveillance, following the launch of a world-first study into AMR in healthy cats and dogs, led by Scotland’s Royal College (SRUC), in 2025.

AMR is recognised as one of the world’s most significant public health threats. It occurs when bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics which can make infections difficult, or even impossible, to treat. Antibiotic resistant bacteria can also be found in healthy animals without causing disease, meaning animals can act as reservoirs of resistance that may spread to other animals or people.

The UK has a 20-year vision to contain, control and mitigate AMR by 2040. This is being delivered through the UK’s National Action Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance 2024–2029. Strengthening AMR surveillance across human and animal health is one of the plan’s central commitments.

The UK has well-established surveillance programmes for AMR in some livestock sectors, with harmonised monitoring of healthy pigs and poultry  now in its 12th year and reported annually in the UK Veterinary Antibiotic Resistant Sales and Surveillance (UK-VARSS) report. However, there are gaps in our surveillance of companion animals and horses. Monitoring AMR in healthy horses presents different challenges, and effective surveillance will require tailoring methods specifically to the equine sector.