New AVMA report will describe antimicrobial resistance trends in animals

A new report from the AVMA will aim to help veterinarians understand antimicrobial resistance in the animals they see and may offer crucial guidance in their treatment decisions.

The document, “Antimicrobial Resistant Pathogens Affecting Animal Health in the United States,” will be featured at this year’s AVMA convention, which takes place online in late August. A conference session led by Dr. Paul J. Plummer, who led the development of the report, will describe the document and the way veterinarians can use it.

The document will describe trends in antimicrobial resistance, categorized by animal species, pathogen and drug.

“This document gives you that scientific subject matter expertise of individuals in each of these host species,” Plummer said. He added that the goal is to help veterinarians become aware of certain diseases and bacterial pathogens with concerning levels of antimicrobial resistance, which could affect animal health. Increased awareness of the potential for resistance could influence treatment decisions.

One doctor pointed out the overlap of pathogens of concern between the AVMA and the CDC. Multidrug-resistant Campylobacter jejuni, for example, has become a health concern in animals, especially puppies, and an outbreak sickened both puppies and humans.

More information on the new document is available from the AVMA.