'Knowledge, attitudes and practices' survey of Austrian veterinarians' antibiotic use in clinical practice

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health issue, with antimicrobial use (AMU) in veterinary medicine playing a relevant role in its emergence. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Austrian veterinarians regarding AMU and AMR.

An online survey was conducted in 2022. Veterinary respondents were grouped according to their type of practice (companion animals, i.e., pets and horses; farm; mixed practice).

Knowledge gaps were identified, particularly among companion animal veterinarians, with only 31% correctly recognising cefovecin as a critically important antimicrobial and 16% incorrectly stating it was a first-choice drug. However, treating groups of animals with orally administered antibiotics was correctly classed as having the highest influence on AMR by 75% of 165 respondents. With respect to deciding to use antibiotics, all practitioners considered a clinical examination to be important or very important, while cost considerations and owner expectations were classed by companion animal practitioners as being significantly less important than among farm and mixed practitioners. Of all 180 veterinarians, 47% reported using antimicrobial susceptibility testing always or regularly (approximately 20%‒50% of antibiotic treatments).

The small sample size may have introduced confirmation bias, as practitioners with a particular interest in AMU and AMR may have been more likely to respond to the survey.

The findings confirm the need for additional training to improve prudent AMU and awareness of antimicrobial stewardship in clinical practice across all veterinary sectors in Austria. Future efforts should prioritise the knowledge gaps among companion animal practitioners, in particular.