ARS | Publication request: IMPACT OF ANTIMICROBIC USE IN VETERINARY MEDICINE

Submitted to: International Association of Milk Food and Environmental Sanitarians
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: June 16, 1998
Publication Date: August 16, 1998
Citation: Cray, P.J., Dargatz, D.A., Wells, S.J., Wineland, N.E., Miller, M.A., Petersen, K. 1998. Impact of antimicrobic use in veterinary medicine. International Association of Milk Food and Environmental Sanitarians. P. 16-20.

Technical Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance has become a concern for both humans and animal health on a global scale. In addition to concerns about treatment failures in veterinary medicine and human medicine related to resistant organisms, there is a concern about the potential transfer of resistant organisms from animals to humans. To prolong the therapeutic efficacy of antimicrobics in both human and veterinary medicine, a number of activities have been initiated. A campaign to encourage prudent use of antimicrobics by physicians and veterinarians has begun. The veterinary community is rapidly expanding continuing education opportunities for veterinarians relative to antimicrobic use and the issue of antimicrobic resistance. In addition, a national antimicrobial susceptibility monitoring system has been initiated as a collaborative project between FDA, USDA, and CDC to track the development of resistance among human and animal bacterial isolates. Initially, the system has focused on Salmonella isolates but will be expanding to also include Campylobacter and E coli. Currently, Salmonella isolates from human and animal clinical cases as well as healthy animals and carcass specimens are being evaluated for susceptibility to a panel of antimicrobics. An MIC format for the testing has recently been adopted. Breakpoint data will be presented in this report, the MIC data will be available in a subsequent report. Veterinary isolates are tested at the USDA:ARS Richard Russell Research Center in Athens, Georgia using a semi-automated system.