Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40394995›Full record

ArticleEquine veterinary journal2026

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

Rebekah B Stuart, Fleur Miles-Farrier, Alison M Bard, Gwen Rees

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Equine veterinary journal, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Rebekah B StuartSchool of Veterinary Science, Aberystwyth University, Penglais Hill, UK.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5784-9939
Fleur Miles-FarrierSchool of Veterinary Science, Aberystwyth University, Penglais Hill, UK.
Alison M BardBristol Vet School, University of Bristol, Langford, UK.
Gwen ReesSchool of Veterinary Science, Aberystwyth University, Penglais Hill, UK.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4646-288X

Funding

Welsh GovernmentWelsh Government Rural Communities-Rural Development Programme 2014-2020
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundAntimicrobial 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.

objectivesTo understand Welsh equine owners' views and behaviours relating to antimicrobial usage. STUDY

designCross sectional survey and qualitative data collection and analysis.

methodsAn 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.

resultsWelsh 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). MAIN LIMITATIONS: Potential self-selection bias of respondents due to the voluntary nature of participation.

conclusionsThis 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.

Indexed as

Anti-Bacterial AgentsAnti-Infective AgentsHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHorse DiseasesAdultAnimalsCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHorsesHumansMaleMiddle AgedOwnershipSurveys and QuestionnairesWalesAnti-Bacterial AgentsAnti-Infective Agentsantibiotic resistancehorsesowner behaviourqualitative

Identifiers

PMID40394995
PMCPMC12892391

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.