Responsible use of parasiticides

November 2024 sees the annual Antibiotic Amnesty campaign, coordinated by RUMA-CAE (Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance – Companion Animals and Equine), which reminds us of the need for responsible stewardship of antibiotics. This initiative encourages veterinary practices and pet owners to return unused or out-of-date antibiotics, aiming to reduce unnecessary stockpiles and prevent indiscriminate use. The amnesty also serves as a timely prompt for us all to reflect on the rational use of antibiotics in companion animal care.

While antibiotics are invaluable in both human and veterinary medicine, their overuse has led to the rise of antimicrobial resistance, a threat that transcends species boundaries. In veterinary practice, the importance of rational antibiotic use cannot be overstated. As practitioners, we need to follow stringent guidelines, ensuring that antibiotics are prescribed only when necessary and always based on evidence, such as culture and sensitivity testing where possible. The global focus on One Health highlights how antibiotic misuse in animals can contribute to antimicrobial resistance in humans, underscoring our professional duty to make informed, judicious decisions.