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Posted: 14th February 2013

BVA explains antimicrobial approach
Letter to newspaper defends veterinary profession

Peter Jones, president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), has sent a letter to The Times that refutes criticisms of the veterinary profession's use of antimicrobials in pets.

Sent to the editor, the letter sets out the vets role in tackling antimicrobial resistance. It follows a report published by the newspaper in January that criticised the the profession for its use of antimicrobials in pet animals.

The letter has since been printed, and can be viewed by subscribers of The Times website.

Referring to the report as an "inaccurate and unfair picture of the role of veterinary practitioners in the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance", Mr Jones explains that the profession takes its responsibilities in combatting resistance very seriously.

He adds that there have long been concerted efforts to minimise veterinary antimicrobial resistance in domestic animals, though the main focus has been on farm animals and its potential transfer through food to humans.

"In light of this the British Veterinary Association has been the driver behind ensuring that our members in companion animal practice are aware of the problem and are taking the necessary steps to address it." he wrote.

"Indeed at the BVA’s annual Congress last September, the clinical streams focussed very much on the responsible use of antimicrobials in companion animals and the necessary measures to counter resistance."

The original report, entitled "Antibiotic misuse by vets is fuelling rise of superbugs", outlines the increased resistance of bacteria to important antimicrobials used in humans, which Mr Jones accepts is of significant concern.

"It is important to note that some experts are still divided over the question of the source of some of these organisms. There is some suggestion that dogs in particular have been infected by a transfer of the bacteria from their human owners and more work must be carried out to enhance our understanding of the problem."

Click here to read the letter in full.



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