Policy

In treating animals with antimicrobials, veterinarians should aim to optimise therapeutic efficacy and minimise the potential for development of resistance to antimicrobials.

Explanation

1. There is increasing concern internationally about antimicrobial resistance and the threat that this might pose to human and animal health.
2. Whenever bacteria are exposed to antimicrobials there will probably be some degree of selection for resistant populations.
3. Use of antimicrobials by veterinarians could possibly contribute to antimicrobial resistant bacteria developing in animals, with subsequent transfer to humans.
4. Antimicrobials are a valuable resource so it is important to limit therapeutic antimicrobial use to those situations where it is warranted.
5. Antimicrobial agents play an important role in veterinary medicine in:
   1. the prevention, control and treatment of diseases caused by bacteria and other microorganisms;
   2. improving food safety standards by reducing the likelihood of animal products carrying zoonotic pathogens;
   3. promoting the health and welfare of animals, in ensuring that animals receive appropriate treatment for disease.

Guidelines

1. Use of antimicrobials should be based on accurate diagnosis.
2. Use of antimicrobials is not a substitute for good husbandry and management practices. Preventive strategies, such as appropriate husbandry and hygiene, routine health monitoring, immunisation, and strategies contained in quality assurance programmes, should be emphasised.
3. The antimicrobial treatment regimen should be based on known or predicted antimicrobial sensitivity. Culture and sensitivity testing should ideally be used to aid in the selection of treatment.
4. Use narrow spectrum antimicrobials whenever appropriate.
5. Optimise the treatment regimen by taking account of the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of the antimicrobial agent to ensure the antimicrobial reaches the site of infection in appropriate concentration.
6. Label instructions should be carefully followed and due attention paid to dosage, frequency, withdrawal periods, and storage instructions. If treatment is to be undertaken by the animal owner, the veterinarian should ensure that that person fully understands the instructions on dosage and duration of treatment.  Quantities of antimicrobials given to the animal owner should reflect the needs, to avoid an over-supply.
7. Minimise exposure to antimicrobials by treating for as short a time as possible but as long as necessary for the desired clinical response. Avoid subtherapeutic dosing, which can lead to lack of efficacy and increased likelihood of selecting microorganisms with reduced sensitivity.
8. Therapeutic antimicrobial use should be confined to appropriate clinical indications. Use in uncomplicated viral infections is unnecessary.
9. Off-label use of antimicrobials should be avoided and should follow the requirements of the Code of Practice for the Discretionary Use of Human and Veterinary Medicines by Registered Veterinarians.
10. Antimicrobials considered important in treating refractory infections in human (or veterinary) medicine should be used in animals only after careful review and reasonable justification.  Consider using other antimicrobials for initial therapy.
11. Accurate records of the identity of animals treated, the treatment given, the date of treatment, and the outcome should be used to evaluate therapeutic regimens.

Policy Files: 

2e - Judicious Use - 7Nov02.pdf