VPN Plus+ ExclusiveAntimicrobial stewardship: What it is and why it mattersAugust 4, 2020By Brennen McKenzie, MA, MSc, VMD, cVMAAntimicrobials have tremendous therapeutic benefits in human and veterinary patients. After vaccination, antibiotics are probably the most important medical intervention of the 20th century in terms of reducing suffering and death. Of course, antimicrobials can also have significant adverse effects. And any use of antimicrobials, including appropriate therapeutic use, creates a selection pressure that can result in emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) or an increase in the abundance of resistant bacteria. Adverse effects and the development of resistance reduce the potential benefits of antibiotics. Antimicrobial stewardship is the concept of using antibiotics in a manner that maximizes their benefits, minimizes risks, and conserves the effectiveness of these important drugs.1 Changing when and how we use antibiotics is the key to achieving these goals. Antimicrobial stewardship involves three general strategies: 1) Preventing infectious disease occurrence 2) Reducing overall antimicrobial use 3) Using antimicrobials in ways that maximize the benefits, minimize the adverse effects, and reduce the development of antibiotic resistance Preventing infections Preventing bacterial infections automatically reduces the need for, and hence the use of, antimicrobials. This involves encouraging clients to provide appropriate husbandry and preventive care, including vaccination, proper nutrition, isolation of sick animals, and other prophylactic measures. Prevention of …
SPONSORED CONTENTOne dose protects for 12 months.One ProHeart® 12 (moxidectin) injection puts compliance in your control. + Get started
Alternative treatment for deadly foal pneumonia revealedMarch 30, 2020Equine veterinarians may soon be equipped with a method for treating pneumonia in foals that does not promote multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Dangerous superbugs found in pork across multiple countriesDecember 21, 2018World Animal Protection (WAP) tested pork from the shelves of supermarkets in Australia, Brazil, Spain, and Thailand, finding ‘superbugs’ in three of the four countries.
What livestock vets need to know about new VFD rulesDecember 7, 2016The Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD), which kicks in January 1, 2017, regulates the use of medically important antibiotics in the feed and drinking water of U.S. livestock.
Kansas State gets FDA OK for pilot project on antibiotic useSeptember 21, 2016Veterinary researchers at Kansas State University recently received a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to monitor antibiotic use in beef feedlots and dairies. The grant extends for five years at $300,000 per year.
