Stuart Becker¹, Dan O'Neill¹, Siân Frosini¹, Laura Stapleton², Dave Brodbelt¹

¹Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom. ²Vets for Pets, Handforth, United Kingdom

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate whether light‑touch interventions could influence antimicrobial dispensing in cats and dogs, and to inform the development of practical, nationally deliverable stewardship resources.

Methods

A VetCompass randomised controlled trial assessed the impact of four information-based interventions (antimicrobial prioritisation, condition-specific guidance, usage feedback, and practice-based ‘antimicrobial stewardship champions’) alongside a no-intervention control, on antimicrobial prescribing probability across 425 UK veterinary practices. All antimicrobial dispensing episodes (sales recorded in practice management systems) were identified between 1 February 2024 and 31 January 2025 in cats and dogs. Dispensing probability was compared between control and intervention groups using logistic mixed effects modelling adjusted for seasonal effects, background trends, and patient demographics.

Results

Monthly antimicrobial dispensing probability was 5.74% (95% CI 5.29, 6.23) in cats and 5.34% (4.92, 5.81) in dogs. No intervention group differed significantly in dispensing probability from the control. Study‑wide downward trends over time were observed for all antimicrobials in dogs and for Restrict category antimicrobials in cats, including within the control group.

Statement: Impact/ Clinical Significance

Light‑touch information‑based interventions showed little effect on antimicrobial dispensing probability beyond existing background trends. This suggests that vets may already feel their stewardship efforts are sufficient, and that additional information may not create a perceived need for further change. External factors such as professional guidance, mentoring, or regulatory change may be more influential. Future work should explore how these external motivators interact with education to support sustained stewardship.

This work was supported by an award from PetPlan Charitable Trust (project number S20-859-898).