How does Antimicrobial Resistance develop? When a microbe undergoes genetic mutation or acquires resistance genes. When antimicrobials are misused or overused. When antimicrobials are used for growth promotion or for herd inoculation. All of the above When and how should antimicrobials be used? Only after a clinical examination of the animal(s) by a veterinarian or trained animal health professional. As soon as an animal owner asks a veterinarian or trained animal health professional to provide them with antimicrobials. In replacement of good animal husbandry practices, hygiene, biosecurity and vaccination programmes. What is the most important parameter to consider when choosing the appropriate antimicrobial? The farm records of previous antimicrobial use, the clinical experience and diagnostic insight. The animal owner opinion: the best expert on his farm. Your personal antimicrobial preferences taking into account mainly what you are used to prescribing. Antimicrobial-resistant microbes can spread to other animals or humans through: Contact with an animal that has an antimicrobial-resistant clinical or sub-clinical infection. Contact with an object used to care for an animal with an antimicrobial-resistant infection (e.g. veterinary equipment). Contact with food or water carrying antimicrobial-resistant microbes. All of the above What do you do if your first-line treatment fails due to antimicrobial resistance? Use two different classes or sub-classes of antimicrobials at the same time to treat a broad range of microbes. First, conduct diagnostic tests, including sensitivity testing. Only in the absence of test results, use a different class or sub-class of antimicrobials. Prescribe the same treatment at a higher dosage. What information should you write on your antimicrobial prescriptions? Dosage regimen, withdrawal periods for meat, milk and eggs, amount of antimicrobial to be provided, and product information of all veterinary drugs supplied. Dosage regimen, withdrawal periods for meat and milk, and class or sub-class of alternative treatment in case the first-line antimicrobials fails. Dosage regimen, amount of antimicrobial to be provided, and labelling of all veterinary drugs supplied. Withdrawal periods for meat and milk are not necessary. What data should you record about your prescribing as a veterinarian? Quantities of antimicrobials (and other substances) used per animal species. Treatment schedules (including animal ID and withdrawal periods). Comments concerning the response of animals to treatment. Adverse reactions, including lack of response due to antimicrobial resistance. All of the above I can raise awareness about Antimicrobial Resistance with my clients by: Informing on disease prevention and management. Providing detailed dosing instructions, storage conditions and record keeping. Educating on prudent use of antimicrobials. Sharing AMR awareness materials, like posters, flyers or stickers that they can use on a daily basis. All of the above 2018-10-04
