What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?
When it comes to animal health, prevention is better than cure. The first step farmers can take to prevent the development of AMR is to improve the overall health status of the animals on the farm. This will not only reduce antibiotic use on farm but it will also maximise farm productivity. This can be achieved through disease prevention strategies such as good biosecurity, adequate housing, optimal stocking densities, vaccination and parasite control. Under no circumstances should antibiotics be used to compensate for poor farm management practices.
Antibiotics should be used to maintain animal health and welfare where necessary, in other words they should be used prudently. To use antibiotics prudently is to use them correctly i.e. use as little as possible but as much as necessary. The six Rs should be followed when using antibiotics:
- Right Veterinary Diagnosis
- Right Animal
- Right Antibiotic
- Right Dose
- Right Duration
- Right Storage and Duration
More information regarding the prudent use of antibiotics can be found at the Code of Good Practice Regarding the Responsible Prescribing and Use of Antibiotics in Farm Animals.