Antibiotic Resistance
By Dr Matt Makin
Antibiotic misuse and the spread of resistance are growing worldwide problems in human and animal health. In my profession, changing expectations are now impacting farms.
Over the past two seasons local outbreaks of multi-drug resistant Salmonella have really brought this issue into sharper focus for us.
Antibiotics are recognised as necessary for animal health, welfare and for producing products safe for human consumption. When using antibiotics, the overriding principle is to use as little as possible but as much as necessary to address the infection.
Antimicrobial use in animals contributes to the selection and spread of antibiotic resistance. To help fight the serious public and animal health threat of antibiotic resistance, appropriate use of antibiotics is a must.
The Australian Government’s National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy 2015-2019 was developed to guide the response to antibiotic misuse and the spread of resistance.
It’s a good strategy that was developed in partnership with industry and government and seeks to help governments, health professionals, veterinarians, farmers and communities reduce the emergence of resistant bacteria. The strategy emphasises the importance of alternatives to antimicrobial use, such as changes in husbandry, management, vaccination and infection prevention.
The Australian Strategic and Technical Advisory Group has classified veterinary antibiotics into three tiers; first line, second line and third line use. Third line antibiotics have been earmarked for last resort use only. Over coming months, increased pressure will be applied to farmers and veterinarians to revisit their use of antibiotics - in particular our choice of which antibiotics are used under particular circumstances.
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