Fighting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the AVA's three strategic priorities.
Antibiotic resistance is a global concern, and the veterinary profession is working alongside human health professionals to address the issue.
Veterinarians rely on antibiotics to treat animals and prevent suffering in pets, livestock and other animals. It is critical that they are able to retain access to the essential medications they need, for the protection of animal health and welfare.
Australian veterinarians are trained and experienced in the principles of judicious antimicrobial use. As a result, Australian animals have low levels of antibiotic resistance in their bacterial fauna, compared to other countries.
In 2015, the Australian Government released its first ever national strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance. It included a number of priorities for action relating to antibiotic use in animals, as well as issues relating to veterinary practice such as infection prevention and control. Subsequently Australia’s National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy – 2020 and Beyond (the 2020 Strategy) was released, and from that Australia’s Animal Sector Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan 2023 to 2028 (Action Plan) was developed under the leadership of the Australian CVO, Dr Mark Schipp. This aligns with the 7 objectives of and the priority activities of the One Health Master Action Plan for Australia’s National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy 2020 & Beyond (OHMAP). It provides Australia’s animal health and animal industry sectors with agreed priority activities for the terrestrial and aquatic animal sectors to implement the 2020 Strategy. The AVA has been an active participant in the development and implementation of all of these national strategies.
AVA's work in the fight against AMR
There are several streams to the program – antibiotic prescribing guidelines, antimicrobial stewardship, community awareness, and the national One Health policy agenda.
Antimicrobial prescribing guidelines
In 2017 the AVA embarked on a joint project with Animal Medicines Australia, to develop best-practice prescribing guidelines for horses and livestock species. We are two thirds of the way through this major undertaking, with guidelines for Pigs, Poulty, Sheep, Dairy Cattle and Feedlot Cattle completed (see: "AMR Resources", below). Beef Cattle and Horse guidelines to follow.
Antimicrobial stewardship
Evidence-based prescribing guidelines already exist for dogs and cats (AIDAP prescribing guidelines). In 2016, AVA coordinated a pilot trial of an antimicrobial stewardship program with companion animal practices in Canberra. This idea was at the instigation of two Canberra practitioners and was supported by a small working group of staff and volunteers.
Community awareness
AVA has participated in Antibiotic Awareness Week since 2012 and has been represented on the national organising committee since 2013. This will continue as a way of helping increase understanding about antibiotic use and resistance in animals among animal owners and human health professionals.
One Health policy agenda
AVA is represented on the Australian Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Antimicrobial Resistance (ASTAG), and this group has been monitoring the implementation plan for the National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy. The implementation plan includes a number of key projects and concerns recommended by AVA. A new plan will be developed shortly, and the AVA will make contributions into this process.
AVA Submission - National AMR Strategy - 2020 and Beyond
Commentary on the discussion paper Developing a national antimicrobial resistance strategy for Australia - Department of Health, 7 November 2014