Use medicines wisely

Association president Steve Merchant says the threat of antimicrobial resistance is recognised as one of the greatest risks to human and animal health and is a high priority for the veterinary profession.

"After more than 70 years since the first use of penicillin in human medicine there are a number of bacteria in circulation across the world that are resistant to one or more antimicrobials," says Merchant.

"Therefore the NZVA advises responsible use of antimicrobials (the general term that covers anti-bacterials (commonly known as antibiotics), anti-virals, anti-fungals and anti-protozoals).

"Animal and human health have always been interlinked, and bacteria resistant to drug therapy can be passed from animals to humans, and vice versa. Therefore veterinarians and human health physicians have an obligation to continue to work together on this key issue."

The use of antimicrobials in veterinary practice has assisted in ensuring the health of livestock and companion animals, and as a result contributed to New Zealand's favourable animal health status. Antimicrobial use is part of a suite of treatments ensuring the safe production of meat, milk and other animal products for human consumption. Antimicrobial use is also important to ensure the welfare of animals.

Antimicrobial usage should always be part of, and not a replacement for, an integrated animal disease control programme. Such a programme is likely to involve such measures as hygiene and disinfection procedures, biosecurity measures, management alterations, changes in stocking rates, and vaccination. This applies to both companion and farm animals.

"Just as in human health, consumer demand for antimicrobials to treat animal disease must be balanced by client/consumer education (pet owners, farmers, farm managers), to protect against poor or ineffective use which can allow resistance to develop," says Merchant.