Antibiotics are essential when treating many conditions in animals and people, but bacteria are becoming resistant to many antibiotics that we use in human and veterinary medicine. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop defences that protect them from antibiotic medications, making treatment less effective. Using antibiotics when not needed increases the risk of antibiotic resistance and can lead to side effects or delay an accurate diagnosis. Unsafe disposal of unused or leftover antibiotics can also contribute to antibiotic resistance, as well as pollute the environment and affect wildlife.
Antibiotic resistance is a global health issue, and we need your help to keep antibiotics working.
That is why Greenbay Vets is taking part in the Antibiotic Amnesty 2022! Throughout November, coinciding with World Antibiotic Awareness Week (18-24 November), we are asking for pet owners to return any unused or leftover antibiotic medications to us for safe disposal.
You can drop off any unused medications at either our Torquay or Paignton reception – this could be extra from a recent prescription, antibiotics that you didn’t need or out-of-date medication.
There is also a short anonymous survey for pet owners to try to find out why people may have leftover antibiotics at home and how people dispose of them. Please take 5 minutes to complete, even if you aren’t returning antibiotics! Your help is greatly appreciated.
Now let’s keep antibiotics working, together!