Six recommendations for sustainable veterinary antimicrobial use

Monitoring antimicrobial use and reducing unnecessary treatment are important parts of tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Policies also need to reflect the practical and social factors that shape decisions made by veterinarians and animal owners.

In everyday care, veterinarians need time to examine animals, reliable diagnostic tests and routine follow-up to assess treatment needs and learn from outcomes. Practical training, clear guidance and good communication with owners can support treatment decisions and make new rules easier to apply.

The policy brief was developed by researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) together with international co-authors. Drawing on studies involving veterinarians, animal owners and veterinary students in different regions of the world, it presents six recommendations to strengthen veterinary practice and policy across countries and animal species.

The recommendations reinforce one another in practice. Together, they aim to reduce unnecessary antimicrobial use while protecting animal health and preserving the effectiveness of essential medicines for animals and people.

Read the policy brief: Optimised veterinary antimicrobial use

The lead authors are Gabriela Olmos Antillón and Susanna Sternberg Lewerin at SLU, working with an international team of co-authors.

Policy brief: Antimicrobial resistance requires a One Health approach to research

A related policy brief on AMR research funding presents three recommendations to strengthen the One Health perspective and draw on lessons from countries with low antibiotic use.
(This policy brief is translated into English from the original Swedish policy brief and has been adapted for an international audience).