Almost 90% of UK vets are concerned about losing the ability to treat infections in animals as a result of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The new figures are from the British Veterinary Association’s (BVA) latest ‘Voice of the Veterinary Profession’ survey.

The results were released in association with World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (November 18-24).

Other concerns reported by vets included enforced restriction on veterinary use of antimicrobials in the future (reported by 84% of vets) or the inability to control infections following surgery (75%).

These results follow findings that revealed sales of antibiotics for use in food-producing animals in the UK has reduced by 59% since 2014.

British Veterinary Association president Anna Judson called on all animal owners and vets to continue to work collaboratively to tackle the “serious global threat” of AMR.

“Antibiotics are a vital tool in our ability to treat diseases in both people and animals effectively, but vets, like their counterparts in human medicine, are worried about excessive and improper use leading to some bacteria no longer responding,” she said.

“We’ve made huge progress in refining and reducing antimicrobial use in farm animals in the UK, but we can do more.

“Livestock keepers, horse owners and pet owners can all play an important role in keeping antibiotics effective by following their vet’s instructions and giving the recommended dose, at the right time and completing the prescribed course.”

Judson called for he public to trust their vets if they want to conduct further tests to provide the “right drug for a particular infection”.