Antimicrobial resistance: AVMA takes steps to address a critical health issue

The AVMA House of Delegates approved the profession’s first-ever Definition of Antimicrobial Stewardship and Core Principles of Antimicrobial Stewardship in Veterinary Medicine. Their adoption is an important first step in fulfillment of the association’s commitment to provide resources and tools for veterinarians that support conscientious decision-making in the use of antimicrobials. The core principles adopted by the AVMA on behalf of its members include:

• A clearly stated commitment by veterinarians to stewardship;
• Support for systems of care that include a multi-pronged approach to preventing common diseases;
• Judicious selection and use of antimicrobial drugs;
• Ongoing evaluation of the efficacy of antimicrobial drug-use practices; and
• A commitment to professional education research that expands the profession’s knowledge base and supports good decision-making.

In addition to providing guidance for the veterinary profession, the AVMA recognizes that only a One Health approach is likely to effectively mitigate the development of antimicrobial resistance. Those reviewing the AVMA’s new policy will see parallels between it and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Core Elements of Outpatient Antibiotic Stewardship Programs.