Use of antibiotics 'for therapy' protects health of people, animals, vets say

By TIM HEARDEN

Capital Press

One key supporter of the judicious use of antibiotics in livestock is the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The AVMA -- a professional association representing some 80,000 veterinarians nationwide -- says the availability of the drugs protects the food supply as well as animal health and welfare.

The organization bases its opinion on the best available scientific data, much of it coming from veterinarians in academia, said Christine Hoang, assistant director of the AVMA's scientific activities division.

"The overarching guideline is that we would expect that antimicrobials would be used judiciously to protect both animal and human health," Hoang said.

The AVMA doesn't conduct any laboratory-based research on its own but relies on data from other sources, including from Web searches and interactions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Agriculture and industry groups, she said.

Still, the AVMA's measured endorsement is often cited by livestock groups as a defense against charges that producers' overuse of antibiotics contributes to the proliferation of drug-resistant germs.

The AVMA defines judicious use as that which is done "for therapy," and advises that "veterinarians should strive to optimize therapeutic efficacy and minimize resistance to antimicrobials to protect public and animal health."

Strategies to address antimicrobial-resistant bacteria should include educating consumers and legislators about the health aspects of drug availability as well as educating veterinarians and their clients about drug efficacy and mechanisms of resistance, the AVMA asserts in a policy statement.

Veterinarians and clients should also be aware of international policies and trade implications of the issue, the statement said.

The AVMA offers drug-usage guidelines specific to cattle, poultry, swine, horses, livestock feed and even aquatic animals. For instance, the voluminous guidelines for beef and dairy cattle maintain the primary goal should be to foster an environment "that will reduce the incidence of disease and the need for antimicrobials."

While their use should be limited, the AVMA asserts the drugs are necessary to manage infectious diseases in herds.

"I think in general, both human physicians and veterinarians could benefit from continuing education to understand how their decisions impact antimicrobial resistance," Hoang said. "Really, it's a medical decision as to whether antimicrobials are needed and should be used."