About Us

What is RUMA CA&E?

RUMA CA&E is a voluntary cross sectoral alliance of stakeholder organisations from across the CA&E sectors – from regulatory to consulting room.

Provides leadership to the UK CA&E sectors, encouraging innovative and proactive efforts to improve the responsible use of medicines whilst optimising and protecting animal health and welfare, as well as human and environmental health and welfare

Uses evidence-based information to promote the responsible use of medicines in the CA&E sectors

Has a current focus on antimicrobial stewardship and resistance (AMR) and is committed to supporting a One Health strategy to address the risk

RUMA CA&E Vision

For the UK to lead the way in the responsible use of medicines in the Companion Animal and Equine sectors, through evidence-based and measurable activities that will improve the stewardship of medicines and optimise animal health and welfare, as well as related human and environmental health.

RUMA CA&E Mission

  1. To promote, enable and measure responsible use of medicines in the Companion Animal (including exotic animals kept as pets) and Equine sectors
  2. To promote evidence-based activities that influence and encourage behaviours that are consistent with the responsible use of medicines
  3. To engage stakeholders from across the Companion Animal and Equine sectors to promote collaborative activities that influence and encourage all parties to take ownership, responsibility and accountability for the stewardship of medicines

RUMA CA&E Responsibilities

  1. Provide a single, reliable and credible focal point for key messages and activities relating to the responsible use of medicines in the companion animal and equine sectors, initially focusing on antimicrobial stewardship and resistance (AMR) through the application of the principles: “Reduce, Refine, Replace”
  2. Create the awareness, engagement and buy-in for responsible use of medicines across the companion animal and equine sectors through effective liaison and collaboration with key influencing organisations and individuals
  3. Agree and define, through effective consultation, areas to establish specific targeted activities and research that will form the basis of agreed sector specific KPI development and monitoring. These KPI’s will ensure that specific goals are set and efforts are focused appropriately to demonstrate progress with:
    • Strategic KPI’s for industry level reporting
    • Practical KPI’s relevant to practitioners that will inform organisation or practice wide activities
  4. Assist stakeholders, associations and organisations to develop, endorse, implement and raise awareness of guidance and protocols on the stewardship and responsible use of medicines within the companion animal and equine sectors. The protocols and guidance will need to be practical, drive positive behaviour change, align with KPI progression, and protect patients, owners and practitioners alike
  5. Provide evidence of progress from the companion animal and equine sectors towards achieving the government 20-year vision and 5-year national action plan for how the UK will contribute to containing and controlling AMR,
  6. Provide a focal point of expertise and advice for government, regulatory and technological consultation when considering the development of strategies, legislation, regulations, codes or technologies relating to the companion animal and equine sectors

Species covered

Dogs

Cats

Rabbits

Small Mammals

Exotic animals kept as pets

Equids

RUMA CA&E Stakeholders

RUMA CA&E is a multi-stakeholder organisation made up of:

  • Alliance members
  • Government/regulators in VMD, FSA, EA and devolved partners
  • Vets, Vet Nurses and other animal health professionals
  • Supply chain – retailers, brands, pharmaceutical companies, processors, food service
  • Insurance companies
  • Independent influencers
  • Politicians and peers
  • Central and devolved Government departments
  • Science community – research and funding organisations
  • Pressure group audiences
  • Human healthcare sector
  • Media
  • Public – citizens and consumers

RUMA CA&E  is separate to RUMA Agriculture apart from sharing a similar name and areas of common interest.

RUMA CA&E Groups

Targets and Measures Working Group

The RUMA CA&E Targets and Measures Working Group (T&MWG) comprises a number of companion animal experts who work together to determine what to measure and how, and formulate a set of realistic and achievable targets for the CA&E sectors. In 2023, a new Chair of the T&MWG was appointed, Dr Kit Sturgess, who now leads the group. Details of the T&MWG work can be found in our latest annual report here.

 

RUMA CA&E support for CANTER

We are delighted to be working with Controlling ANTiparasitic resistance in Equines Responsibly, CANTER, to provide governance, financial management, and administrative support to ensure CANTER’s continued impact and sustainability. CANTER is a collaborative, industry led organisation, the first initiative of its kind worldwide, dedicated to tackling anthelmintic resistance. Its activities are orchestrated by a core Steering Group which comprises approximately 20 representatives from across the equine sector with an active interest in the sustainable control of parasites in equines. There are seven further subgroups that underpin the aims of the group. Julia Shrubb is the current chair of CANTER. Many organisations contribute to the development of CANTER including; Prescriber groups, Diagnostic providers, Pharmaceutical companies, Retail/trade organisations, Veterinary associations, Parasitologists, Horse owners, Charities, Guidance/policy makers. CANTER’s mission closely aligns with RUMA CA&E’s values and approach, making us a natural partner to sustain and build upon the group’s excellent achievements.