New leaflets help prevent antimicrobial resistance

Two new leaflets have been published, summarising crucial guidance on antimicrobials.

The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) produced the leaflets, prior to their proposals on a new regulation for veterinary medicines. The concern is that a resistance to antimicrobial medicines is forming in both animals and humans, which needs to be prevented.

The first leaflet, How we can safeguard antimicrobials now and for the future, is to inform animal owners, policymakers and other persons interested in the use of antimicrobials. The second leaflet, How to use antimicrobials responsibly: advice for veterinarians, is to reinforce the information to vets.

Peter Harlech Jones, President Elec of the BVA and chairman of the FVE working group that drafted the leaflets, said: "Antibiotics are a vital tool in our armoury to combat animal diseases and the veterinary profession must ensure they are used prudently and responsibly if we are to avoid a crisis.

"Thanks to our European colleagues we now have two short, easy-to-read leaflets summarising crucial guidance."

The upcoming BVA Congress (27-29 September) will further discuss the issue of antimicrobial resistance.