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Equine veterinary journal2025; doi: 10.1111/evj.14522

Understanding antimicrobial use by equine owners in Wales: Using cross-sectional survey and semi-structured interviews.

Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasingly serious threat to human and animal health. Antimicrobial use (AMU) in horses is gathering research interest, although there remain significant evidence gaps. Currently, there is scant qualitative research into equine owners' use of antimicrobials, specifically antibiotics, hindering the design of evidence-based stewardship interventions and policies. Objective: To understand Welsh equine owners' views and behaviours relating to antimicrobial usage. Methods: Cross sectional survey and qualitative data collection and analysis. Methods: An online survey (n = 319) and semi-structured interviews (n = 21) were conducted with Welsh equine owners. The survey examined participant knowledge of and relationship with their horse(s), sourcing of antibiotics, owner-vet interactions on antibiotic prescribing, antibiotic usage, and their understanding of AMR. Semi-structured in-depth interviews further explored horse owner perspectives, experiences, and decision-making relating to these areas, to add nuance and depth to quantitative data. Survey data were descriptively analysed, and interview data were coded and qualitatively analysed using a thematic approach. Results: Welsh equine owners regarded their horses as members of the family (84.8%). Most sourced antibiotics from their vet (68.9%) with a minority (5.1%) never having done so or having used antibiotics left over (16.6%) and 13.6% would consider changing veterinary practice if they did not receive antibiotics when they requested them. Interview data suggest that antibiotic use was shaped by (i) key relationships of care (human-animal and owner-vet); (ii) competing priorities (treatment need versus ease of administration); and (iii) imperfect comprehension (education, information, AMU/AMR knowledge). Conclusions: Potential self-selection bias of respondents due to the voluntary nature of participation. Conclusions: This study highlights variations in the horse-owner relationship, conflicting priorities involved in horse ownership, and the quality of vet-client relationships which may influence treatment decision-making. It raises some concerns about the sourcing of antibiotics and variable understanding of AMR, with important implications for antimicrobial stewardship and educational priorities.
© 2025 The Author(s). Equine Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2025-05-20 PubMed ID: 40394995DOI: 10.1111/evj.14522Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research study focuses on understanding antimicrobial use (AMU) and related behaviors among horse owners in Wales. It uncovers how factors like the horse-owner relationship, interactions with vets, and understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) can influence the use of antibiotics in horses.

Research Methodology

  • The research involved a mix of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, specifically an online survey and semi-structured interviews.
  • The online survey was completed by 319 equine owners and encompassed questions to gauge the participants’ understanding of AMR and their use of antibiotics in horses. It also explored how they source these antibiotics, their interactions with vets about antibiotic prescriptions, and their relationship with their horses.
  • The semi-structured interviews, conducted with 21 horse owners, allowed a deeper exploration into these areas, allowing participants to share their experiences and decision-making processes.
  • Data from the survey was analyzed descriptively, while interview data was coded and underwent a qualitative thematic analysis.

Key Findings

  • A significant majority of horse owners view their horses as part of their family (84.8%) and most source antibiotics for their horses from their vets (68.9%).
  • A small percentage had never sourced antibiotics or used leftover antibiotics (5.1%), and 16.6% had used leftover antibiotics. Some horse owners (13.6%) mentioned that they would consider changing their veterinary practice if their requests for antibiotics were not met.
  • Interview results suggested that antibiotic use was influenced by the horse-owner and owner-vet relationship, competing priorities (like the need for treatment vs. the ease of administering it), and a lack of complete understanding about AMU/AMR.

Conclusions

  • The study notes a potential self-selection bias due to the voluntary nature of the participation.
  • It concludes by highlighting the variation in the horse-owner relationship, the conflicting priorities in horse ownership, and uneven vet-client relationships, all of which may have an impact on treatment decision-making.
  • It also raised concerns about sourcing of antibiotics and the inconsistent understanding of AMR, which have significant implications for antimicrobial stewardship and education priorities.

Cite This Article

APA
Stuart RB, Miles-Farrier F, Bard AM, Rees G. (2025). Understanding antimicrobial use by equine owners in Wales: Using cross-sectional survey and semi-structured interviews. Equine Vet J. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14522

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Stuart, Rebekah B
  • School of Veterinary Science, Aberystwyth University, Penglais Hill, UK.
Miles-Farrier, Fleur
  • School of Veterinary Science, Aberystwyth University, Penglais Hill, UK.
Bard, Alison M
  • Bristol Vet School, University of Bristol, Langford, UK.
Rees, Gwen
  • School of Veterinary Science, Aberystwyth University, Penglais Hill, UK.
  • Arwain DGC, Mentera, Aberystwyth, UK.

Grant Funding

  • Welsh Government Rural Communities-Rural Development Programme 2014-2020
  • Welsh Government

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