The British Small Animal Veterinary Association is using European Antibiotics Awareness Day (today) to highlight its guidance on the appropriate use of antimicrobials.

European Antibiotic Awareness Day is an annual campaign held to raise awareness of prudent antibiotic use and the threat of antibiotic resistance. While in the past it has focused on use of antibiotics in human healthcare, there is an increasing realisation that antimicrobial resistance is a 'One Health' issue with implications for human and animal health as well as the environment.

Professor Michael Day, BSAVA President said: "For both veterinary professionals and those working in human health, the spread of multi-drug resistant bacteria means that we may reach the point where we can no longer treat every day infections or diseases. So the responsible use of antimicrobials is an important focus for this pan-European campaign.

"Antibacterial resistance is now a politically important topic for our profession, and there are those who wish to restrict veterinary use of certain antibacterial products, which could have significant implications for animal health and welfare. It is therefore essential that veterinary surgeons are seen to be using antimicrobials responsibly."

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