By Gemma Cooper, IPS Veterinary Special Interest Group Coordinator
As part of World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW), the Infection Prevention Society (IPS) is joining colleagues across human, animal, and environmental health to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and promote responsible use of these vital medicines.
The veterinary profession plays a crucial part in this effort. By championing antimicrobial stewardship within practice, supporting infection prevention measures, and educating clients, veterinary teams can make a real difference in preserving the effectiveness of antimicrobials for the future.
In this blog, Gemma Cooper, IPS Veterinary Special Interest Group Coordinator, explores the principles of good antimicrobial use in veterinary practice and shares practical ways to support the global One Health approach to tackling AMR.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is considered a major global threat, impacting human, animal and environmental health. Antimicrobials are essential in veterinary and human medicine to treat disease; however, we must protect the use of currently available antimicrobials, as the capacity for development of new antibiotics is limited.
The One Health concept recognises that the health of people, animals, and the environment are intrinsically linked – and tackling antimicrobial resistance requires coordinated action across all three sectors.
Misuse of antimicrobial drugs drives AMR in both human and in animal health, with the potential for transmission of resistant organisms between species, and with the environment acting as a reservoir for the spread of both genetic resistance mechanisms and multidrug-resistant organisms.
The veterinary industry has a professional duty to use antimicrobials responsibly, maintain up-to-date knowledge, and educate owners on appropriate and responsible use of antimicrobials for their pets. Any use of antimicrobials has the potential to alter the host flora and promote selection of resistant strains of bacteria.
There are many resources available within the veterinary sector to support antimicrobial stewardship. Organisations such as BSAVA, BVA and WSAVA have published a number of guidelines and useful resources.
Resources such as the PROTECT ME guidance from BSAVA highlight appropriate use for vets:
Prescribe only when necessary
Replace with non-antibiotic treatments
Optimize dosage protocols
Treat effectively
Employ narrow spectrum
Conduct cytology and culture
Tailor your practice policy
Monitor
Educate others
Considerations for veterinary professionals:
- Run an audit
- Use the research to highlight areas for improvement within your practice
- Educate your team
- Share knowledge and make sure the whole team is aligned when it comes to preserving our antimicrobial resources.
- Create a clear and accessible policy for your practice
- Consider using the BVA 7 principles of responsible antimicrobial use guide alongside BSAVA PROTECT ME guidance.
- Ensure all staff have access to and understand the material. Consider whether your practice also uses locum staff.
- Provide or improve access to culture and susceptibility testing
- Consider cost, turnaround time, and availability of testing for both your practice and your clients.
- Encourage return of unused antibiotics
- Make sure clients are aware that they can return unused medications for proper disposal.
- Establish and maintain robust infection prevention and control measures to suit your practice
- Poor infection prevention and control practices can contribute to the spread of resistant organisms and healthcare-associated infections.
- Educate your clients
- Consider the use of the BSAVA ‘No antibiotic required’ non-prescription form.
- Explain why antimicrobials are, or are not, required for the patient.
- Ensure clients understand the correct dose, timing and duration of the medication.
- Explain why it is important that clients do not use their own medications for their pets.
- Discuss any potential need for further testing and explain the reasons why.
- Provide a supportive space for questions and supply guidance where possible.
Policies, protocols and guidelines must be developed and adapted to suit individual practices for success. Antimicrobial stewardship is the responsibility of everyone, but particularly those working within human and veterinary health.
What can you and your practice do to improve antimicrobial use, awareness, and stewardship?
Act now, protect our present, secure our future.
