CVS supports innovative PhD to promote responsible prescribing habits in veterinary practice
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CVS is supporting a new PhD project launching this October at the University of Liverpool, aimed at improving responsible prescribing of Highest Priority Critically Important Antibiotics (HPCIAs) in equine and companion animal veterinary practice.

The pioneering research will address one of the most pressing global health challenges - antimicrobial resistance (AMR) - by exploring how to reduce inappropriate use of HPCIAs and promoting diagnostic-led prescribing.

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern across both human and animal health sectors. HPCIAs, which include certain classes of antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins, are considered vital to preserving the efficacy of treatments for serious infections. Veterinary guidelines from the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) recommend that these antibiotics should only be used when absolutely necessary and ideally guided by culture and sensitivity testing.

Despite these guidelines and improvements towards responsible HPCIA prescribing, recent studies and clinical data suggest that HPCIAs are still being prescribed in veterinary practice without diagnostic testing. Although improvements towards responsible HPCIA prescribing have been made, this new PhD project — based at the Leahurst Campus in the Department of Livestock and One Health at the University of Liverpool — will take a pragmatic, mixed-methods approach to understanding and addressing this issue, filling important knowledge gaps in order to design and pilot a practice-based intervention.

The research, led by Dr Tamzin Furtado, Lecturer in Human Behaviour for Animals, and carried out by PhD student Hannah Shotnes, will be conducted in collaboration with veterinary professionals, animal owners and other stakeholders, and will explore the behavioural, logistical and systemic factors that influence antibiotic prescribing decisions.

Using large-scale epidemiological data from SAVSNET (Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network) and EVSNET (Equine Veterinary Surveillance Network), the project will analyse prescribing patterns and identify opportunities for intervention. Alongside this participatory social science methods, including focus groups and interviews, will be used to gain deeper insights into the motivations and barriers behind current practices.

The ultimate aim of the study is to develop and pilot interventions that encourage increased use of culture and sensitivity testing before prescribing HPCIAs, thereby reducing inappropriate use and supporting better stewardship of these critical medicines.

Imogen Schofield, Director of Clinical Research at CVS Group, commented:

We were keen to fund this important research initiative. Responsible antibiotic use is a cornerstone of good veterinary practice, and this project has the potential to drive meaningful change across the profession. By combining data-driven insights with human behavioural science, we hope this research will identify practical solutions that can be implemented in real-world veterinary settings. This initiative reflects CVS Group’s ongoing commitment to clinical excellence, research, and sustainability in veterinary care. It also aligns with broader efforts across the profession to safeguard antibiotic efficacy for future generations.

The PhD student will be fully embedded within the University of Liverpool’s multidisciplinary team of veterinary surgeons, social scientists, parasitologists, epidemiologists, clinicians and microbiologists. They will be supported by clinicians within CVS Group, with opportunities to engage directly with veterinary practices and contribute to shaping future prescribing guidelines.

The studentship is funded by nearly £30,000 per annum from CVS Group as part of its Research Awards Programme. This supports veterinary clinical research that aims to benefit the animals under veterinary care and research that supports the veterinary profession in providing the best possible care to animals.

For more information about the project or to express interest in collaboration, please contact Imogen Schofield. To apply to one of CVS’ awards and for further details about eligibility, visit CVS Research Grants or enquire via email.