New AVMA report describes antimicrobial resistance in U.S. animals

A new report from the AVMA is the first to describe the current status of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria affecting various animal species in the United States, the association said.

The report, titled “Antimicrobial Resistant Pathogens Affecting Animal Health in the United States,” examines bacteria of concern and describes actions veterinarians and their teams, producers, breeders and animal owners can take to slow and limit the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. It was developed over the last year and a half by the AVMA Committee on Antimicrobials, with the assistance of microbiologists, epidemiologists and species experts.

According to the AVMA, the report includes accessible summaries of antimicrobial resistant bacteria affecting dogs and cats, horses, cattle, swine, sheep and goats, chickens and turkeys, and fish and shrimp. It also includes resistance profiles for each of the bacteria identified in the report.

“This report is a practical reference guide for veterinarians to use when making therapeutic decisions for their patients,” said Dr. Paul Plummer, a lead author. “We hope that the expertise of the technical committees that were consulted in the creation of this report helps bring greater understanding of the current status of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in animals and helps practitioners make more appropriate treatment decisions.”

“Veterinarians are at the forefront of fighting antimicrobial resistance in animals and have a critical role to play in the overall health of animals, humans and the environment,” said AVMA president Douglas Kratt.

The association describes the issue as a One Health concern. One Health views the health of animals, people and the environment as closely connected. “Slowing and limiting the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance requires widespread engagement from across the One Health spectrum, especially among leaders in veterinary medicine, animal owners and public health,” the AVMA said.