Antimicrobial Stewardship in Veterinary Medicine

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Public Health
• Infectious Disease

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health concern in human medicine.
• While less common in veterinary medicine, AMR poses risks due to animal-to-human transmission pathways (contact, food, environment).
• Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs aim to mitigate AMR and preserve drug efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize key learnings from human AMS programs.
• To guide the development of an AMS framework for companion animal and livestock practice.
• To integrate infection prevention and control with antimicrobial avoidance strategies in veterinary settings.

Main Methods:

• Review and adaptation of established AMS principles from human medicine.
• Development of a veterinary-specific AMS framework.
• Incorporation of a 5R continuous improvement model (Reduce, Replace, Refine, Review, Responsibility).

Main Results:

• A proposed AMS framework for veterinary use, emphasizing infection prevention and control.
• The 5R framework highlights the need for executive support, team motivation, objective setting, and progress measurement.
• Focus on reducing, replacing, and refining antimicrobial use in animal health.

Conclusions:

• Adapting human AMS experiences can create effective veterinary stewardship programs.
• The 5R framework provides a structured approach for implementing veterinary AMS.
• Ongoing research is vital for improved diagnostics, optimized dosing, alternative therapies, and enhanced vaccines to combat AMR.