Antimicrobial resistance information for veterinary practitioners
'Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of a microorganism (like bacteria, viruses and parasites) to stop an antimicrobial (such as antibiotics, antivirals and antimalarials) from working against it. As a result, standard medical treatments become ineffective, infections persist and may spread to others. Resistance to current antimicrobials is increasing faster than the development of new drugs, and so effective treatments cannot keep pace. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes AMR as a looming crisis in which common and treatable infections will become life threatening.' (Antimicrobial resistance, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment)
Veterinary practitioners play an important role in limiting and minimising the spread of antimicrobial resistance and are encouraged to participate in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs. This page contains news and
resources for veterinary practitioners from the Australian and Victorian Governments, the Australian Veterinary Association and other organisations.