Newsletter October 2019: Be Resistant, Prevent Resistance

Dear Colleagues,

FECAVA are working constantly to promote the interests of Companion animal veterinarians throughout Europe. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is one of our main concerns. With the recent adoption of the new EU Veterinary Medicines and Medicated Feed Regulations, we can expect our practices to be under considerable pressure to show sound rationale behind our choices of antibiotics we use in our patients.

Guidelines from the EU, WHO and OIE are all recommending the restriction of some AMs to hospital/human health only and increased sensitivity testing across the board. FECAVA sit on FVE Medicines Working Group (Danny Holmes) and Chair the EPRUMA group (European Platform for the Responsible Use of Medicines in Animals) with Steve Hallahan. This allows good co-operation with industry and other European partners to aid the work of FECAVA and FVE influence what AMs will remain for veterinary use.

Currently, Cephalosporins (especially advanced 3rd generation eg ceftiofur) and fluoroquinolones (eg marbofloxacin and enrofloxacin) are most at risk. By working together with other agencies we can defend the importance of the veterinarian as the steward and guardian of responsible AM use. We have been successful in this to date. FECAVA firmly believe in the One Health philosophy that human health and animal health will improve by us working closely together with the human field.

Another interesting development is the appearance of cannabis derived products for animals. There are official limits for psychotrophic content (0.2 %) for these so-called “nutritional supplements” to be released in the European market, but it is not an area that is well enough regulated. As vets we have difficulties in knowing their safety or efficacy so are struggling to offer good advice to our clients. We are writing a paper at the moment to assist you on what you can say to your clients and keep your practice compliant with the law. Keep an eye out for this on our website www.fecava.org

Danny Holmes
President Elect

 

Check the October 2019 Newsletter.

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