IVC Evidensia vets at Drumhoe Vets
IVC Evidensia Launches Global Parasite Strategy Working Group To Lead Profession-wide Change
4 months ago 
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IVC Evidensia has announced the formation of a new Parasite Strategy Working Group, a bold initiative aimed at reapproaching how the veterinary profession globally uses parasiticides in small animal practice.
As one of the world’s leading veterinary care providers, IVC Evidensia is taking decisive action to address ever-growing concerns around the environmental impact of parasiticides. The Working Group’s mission is to develop evidence-based, sustainable prescribing practices that protect animal health while safeguarding the planet.
Under Gudrun Ravetz, Group Chief Medical Officer, the Working Group brings together experts from across IVC Evidensia’s international network. It will collaborate with leading industry and academic partners including Vetoquinol, IDEXX, ESCCAP, and MSD Animal Health to deliver research, education, and practical tools for veterinary teams both inside and outside of IVC Evidensia practices.
“This is about leading the charge for the greater good,” said Gudrun Ravetz. “We’re proud to be investing in this work and setting an example for the profession. Responsible parasiticide use is not just a clinical issue, it’s a sustainability imperative.”
The initiative forms part of IVC Evidensia’s Positive Pawprint strategy, which in part champions responsible pharmaceutical use and environmental stewardship. The group’s workstreams include:
Reviewing literature on parasite prevalence and environmental impact across Europe
Conducting owner-centred research to understand motivations behind parasiticide use
Developing independent risk assessment tools for veterinary practices
Creating evidence-based guidelines for risk-based prescribing
The strategy is underpinned by investment from the IVC Evidensia Research Fund, with findings expected to be published by the end of 2025. These will inform future sustainability policies and support the profession in making informed, responsible choices.
The Group’s pioneering suite of Care Frameworks is designed to support first opinion veterinary teams in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care. The Care Frameworks have driven a reduction in antibiotic usage for treating common conditions such as periodontal disease, canine otitis externa and atopy.
IVC Evidensia has recently launched a ‘Health Check’ Framework as part of the suite of Care Frameworks, which includes guidance around risk-based parasiticide prescribing. Clinicians are encouraged to adopt an individualised approach with their patients until the Working Group provides further guidance.
“This is a pivotal moment,” added Richard Hooker, Country Medical Director for IVC Evidensia in the UK & IE. “Our teams are already making thoughtful decisions every day. This Working Group will give them the tools and evidence to do so with even greater confidence and clarity.
“Our commitment to antimicrobial stewardship has led to a notable decrease in antibiotic usage for patients, aligning with our 2030 target of less than 5% antibiotic usage in small animals and equines.”
Over the past two years, the proportion of these species seen as outpatients who were prescribed antibiotics has reduced by an impressive 33%*. This achievement is thanks to the dedicated efforts of in-practice Infection Prevention and Control ambassadors and antimicrobial stewards, who are now supported by guidance within the relevant Care Frameworks.
IVC Evidensia’s efforts are further supported by their collaboration with The Responsible use of Medicines Alliance – Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E) whose work initially focused on the responsible use of antibiotics, but RUMA CA&E also recognises the importance of broadening its activities within its remit to cover antiparasitics and anthelmintics. Work has now begun on exploring these areas and the RUMA CA&E Alliance will be releasing more details on its parasiticides strategy soon. IVC Evidensia practices have actively participated in RUMA CA&E’s annual antibiotic amnesty and will support their parasiticide work through the outputs of their working group.
By investing now and sharing its findings openly, IVC Evidensia hopes to set a new benchmark for responsible parasiticide use; one that supports both clinical excellence and environmental stewardship for the whole profession. IVC Evidensia invites the wider profession to follow its progress and engage with the findings as they emerge.
*June 2025 versus June 2023, IVC Evidensia internal Power BI data
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