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The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is promoting the responsible use of antimicrobials in veterinary practice by launching an eight-point plan.
Veterinarians are encouraged to follow these guidelines:
- Work with clients to avoid need for antimicrobials
- Avoid inappropriate use
- Choose the right drug for the right bug
- Monitor antimicrobial sensitivity
- Minimize prophylactic use
- Minimize use perioperatively
- Record and justify deviations from protocols
- Report suspected failure
Antimicrobials are essential for the treatment and prevention of diseases in animals, says the association, but every use increases both the risk that resistance will develop and the potential for its transfer to man via food-borne pathogens. To protect animal and human health, and optimize food safety, antimicrobials should only be used responsibly and and when necessary.
The guideline is outlined in a poster that can be downloaded from the BVA's Web site. The new guidance supports the international “One World, One Health” message promoting awareness of the link between animal diseases and human health. The BVA is also working with the Federation of Veterinarians in Europe on using the poster in other European Union countries.