26 Aug 2017
Antimicrobials are essential for the treatment and prevention of the spread of infectious and zoonotic bacterial diseases in both animals and humans
Every use increases the risk of selection for resistant bacteria
Responsible use optimises therapeutic effects while minimising the risk of selection for resistant bacteria
Responsible use — correct antimicrobial: as little as possible, as much as necessary
HIGHER RISK ANTIMICROBIALS
Fluoroquinolones, 3rd/4th generation cephalosporins and colistin:
Reserve these antimicrobials for clinical conditions that respond poorly to other classes of antimicrobials and where bacterial culture and sensitivity has been carried out.
Do not administer systemically to groups or flocks of animals except in very specific situations and special attention should be given to the risk of antimicrobial resistance as part of the benefit/risk assessment.
Avoid off label use whenever possible
