Course

In this module, you will learn about antimicrobial stewardship in animal health and in particular issues related to the use of antimicrobials for therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes, animal welfare and the role of diagnostics in guiding therapeutic decisions.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global concern because drug-resistant infections can kill, spread to others and impose huge costs on individuals and society. To tackle this problem we need to understand it by collecting and sharing high-quality data relevant to AMR. Data relating to AMR allows trends in resistance and antimicrobial use to be monitored and can be used to make better decisions to help tackle the AMR crisis.

Everyone involved in healthcare has a role to play in reducing AMR and as an AMR surveillance professional you have a key role to play in this process, whether it is in collecting, analysing or interpreting data or in using this data to develop new policies and practices.

This module introduces you to the five principles of antimicrobial stewardship in animal health. It also looks at the factors that influence prescribing behaviour together with the principles of biosecurity. Finally it reviews diagnostic stewardship and how timely reporting of results guide appropriate treatment.

The aim of this course is to help you identify, develop and apply skills and knowledge relevant to your role in order to change and improve your working practice and the practice of people that you work with.