World Veterinary Day 2017

This year,  World Veterinary Day focuses on antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change in ways that render the medications used to cure the infections they cause ineffective. It is an issue that's affecting the veterinary profession worldwide.

Brooke recognises the fundamental threat of antimicrobial resistance as highlighted by World Veterinary Day 2017 and has been working with animal healthcare providers to change the nature of antibiotic treatment.

The widespread availability of antibiotics in low-income countries has led to inappropriate use by patients and health care providers. This has also been seen in animal healthcare. Improving the practice of prescribing can reduce antimicrobial use.

In 2013 Brooke introduced a programme to improve prescribing practice, and used recommendations when mentoring local animal healthcare providers, developing animal health curricula, and when speaking to government animal health departments. We hope that this support will result in a reduction and refinement of antibiotic use not just for horses and donkeys but for other livestock, like cows and pigs.

• In Ethiopia appropriate antibiotics and guidance has been incorporated into the government run drug and vaccine revolving fund.
• In Kenya local healthcare providers are mentored to improve their prescribing practices for antibiotics.
• In Senegal Brooke organised a successful training event on antibiotic resistance, hosted by the Ministry of Livestock and endorsed by the Senegalese veterinary professional body

We advise healthcare professionals working in the field to follow the guidance produced by the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA).

We encourage governments and international institutions to work together and implement the guidance produced by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).