Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Antimicrobial stewardship refers to the responsible use of antimicrobials to preserve their effectiveness. In veterinary medicine, it ensures that antibiotics are used appropriately to treat infections while minimising the risk of resistance developing, which protects both animal and human health.

Follow your veterinary surgeon’s instructions when giving antimicrobials to your pet, complete the prescribed course and never share or use leftover antimicrobials.

Improper use, such as underdosing, skipping doses, or stopping treatment early, can allow microbes to survive and adapt, making them resistant to future treatments of the same type.

Similar to antibiotics, viruses can develop resistance to antivirals when the medication is misused or not given for the full recommended course.

Yes, overusing or underdosing dewormers can lead to worms developing resistance, making the medication less effective over time.

Veterinary surgeons diagnose infections, prescribe the right antibiotic when necessary, and educate pet owners about proper use, helping to reduce the misuse and overuse of these medications.

Stopping antibiotics too soon can leave surviving bacteria in the body, which may develop resistance and cause a recurrence of the infection.

Tests like bacterial culture and sensitivity testing identify the exact cause of an infection and determine the most effective antibiotic, reducing unnecessary or ineffective treatments.

Testing for worm burdens, such as through faecal egg counts, helps determine the type and level of worm infestation in horses. This ensures the correct dewormer is used and avoids unnecessary treatments, which can lead to drug resistance, making treatments less effective in the future.

Yes, resistant bacteria can spread between animals and humans through direct contact, the environment, or the food chain, emphasising the importance of responsible antibiotic use.

Leftover antibiotics may not be the right type, dose, or duration for your pet’s current condition, leading to treatment failure or resistance.

Proper hygiene, handwashing and biosecurity measures prevent the spread of infections, reducing the need for antibiotics in both animals and humans.

Improper disposal can harm the environment and contribute to resistance. Follow your veterinary surgeon’s guidance for safe disposal.

Broad-spectrum antibiotics target a wide range of bacteria, while narrow-spectrum antibiotics are effective against specific bacteria. Narrow-spectrum antibiotics are preferred when the cause of infection is known to reduce resistance risk.

Yes, vaccines are available for many bacterial infections, such as leptospirosis in dogs, helping reduce the need for antibiotics.

Developing new antibiotics is costly and time-consuming, with strict regulatory requirements. Pharmaceutical companies often focus on alternatives and stewardship to extend the life of existing antibiotics.

AMR threatens animal health, food security, and livelihoods worldwide. It increases treatment costs, reduces effective options, and has implications for human health due to shared bacterial strains.

The One Health approach recognises the interconnected health of people, animals, and the environment. It promotes collaborative efforts across sectors to combat AMR by improving stewardship, surveillance, and infection prevention.

Resources include your veterinary surgeon, trusted veterinary websites, organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO) and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and public awareness campaigns during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week.

Antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance – WOAH – World Organisation for Animal HealthAMR Hub – RCVS Knowledge