3 Antimicrobial stewardship in animals

3.1 What is antimicrobial stewardship?

In the module Introducing antimicrobial resistance (module C), you learned about the mechanisms of antimicrobial agents and how bacteria develop resistance. Here we explore the importance of AMS in preventing AMR and our personal responsibilities.

Have you ever heard the phrase: ‘Use as little as possible and as much as necessary’?

AMS means different things to different people because our ideas about the concept are informed by our own experiences. As a general principle, AMS refers to the actions we take individually and collectively to preserve the effectiveness and continued availability of antimicrobials.

When people are asked what AMS means to them, their responses can be categorised into three broad themes:

  • an evidence-based approach to making decisions about using antimicrobials
  • judicious and sparing use of antimicrobials
  • ethical and personal responsibility.

Activity 6: The concept of antimicrobial stewardship

Timing: Allow about 15 minutes

What does AMS mean to you? What are some of the challenges and opportunities for AMS in your local context?

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Discussion

AMS can mean different things to different people, and there is no absolute answer, but so long as you see that you have a role in helping to protect one of our most valuable resources (antimicrobials) then you will be aware that there are many challenges and opportunities in adopting AMS in local settings.

Many studies that have explored the barriers to adopting AMS among veterinarians and farmers have shown that a key theme to emerge is a lack of training and understanding about appropriate antimicrobial use and what it means to be responsible when prescribing or using antibiotics.

Other issues to emerge are:

  • an unwillingness to change practice
  • using antibiotics to make a profit
  • being short on time to make a diagnosis
  • fear of losing business if antibiotics are not supplied.

These issues all pose enormous challenges in the local setting. The biggest opportunity to tackle these challenges is through education of animal health officers, farmers, and other stakeholders involved in the supply and use of antimicrobials in animals. Making available free and accessible training and educational resources will help people make better decisions about antimicrobials.

2.3 Antibiotics and animal welfare

3.2 Why does antimicrobial stewardship matter?