Researchers at the University of Liverpool are calling on horse owners, trainers and those responsible for horses across England to take part in an important new study investigating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in healthy horses.
The HealthyHorseAMR project, funded by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), aims to improve our understanding of antimicrobial resistance in horses and develop effective ways of monitoring resistant bacteria before they become a serious problem.
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria develop the ability to survive treatment with antibiotics, potentially making infections increasingly difficult, or even impossible, to treat.
However, resistant bacteria can also be present in perfectly healthy animals without causing any signs of illness. Understanding how widespread these bacteria are in the healthy horse population is therefore an important part of tackling AMR.
How can horse owners get involved?
The research team has already been carrying out a veterinarian-led study and is now recruiting participants for a community science project, allowing horse owners and those responsible for their care to contribute directly to the research.
Taking part is straightforward and can be done from home.
Participants will be asked to provide some basic information about their horse before receiving a sampling pack through the post. They will then collect a small faecal (poo) sample from their horse and return it to the University of Liverpool laboratory using the pre-paid packaging provided.
There is no need to transport the horse anywhere or arrange a special veterinary appointment to collect the sample.
Why is this research important?
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern in both human and veterinary medicine. Monitoring resistant bacteria in healthy animals could help researchers identify emerging trends and better understand how resistance develops and spreads.
The HealthyHorseAMR project is exploring different approaches to surveillance, with the aim of identifying practical and effective methods for monitoring antimicrobial resistance in the UK’s horse population.
By taking part, horse owners can make a valuable contribution to research that could help protect equine health and support the responsible use of antibiotics in the future.
Find out more and register
If you own, train or are responsible for horses in England, the University of Liverpool would like to hear from you.
To learn more about the project and register your interest in taking part, visit the official HealthyHorseAMR website: HealthyHorseAMR – University of Liverpool
