Veterinary Ireland launches survey of pet owners on AMR
Veterinary Ireland, which represents the veterinary profession in Ireland, has launched a survey of pet owners as part of a national action plan to address rising levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The Veterinary Ireland Companion Animals Society (VICAS), the Veterinary Ireland interest group representing vets that work with pets, launched the survey at a conference held in the Gleneagle Hotel/INEC in Killarney, Co. Kerry.
The survey of pet owners is part of Veterinary Ireland's commitments under the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2021-2025.
The survey is anonymous and should take a few minutes to complete.
Speaking about the survey, Dr. Jane Pigott, VICAS chairperson and Veterinary Ireland vice-president, said: "AMR is a growing concern for both humans and animals.
"As part of our commitment to the National Action Plan on AMR, VICAS has formulated a quick survey, and we are asking for the help of all Irish pet owners to gain valuable data on their perception and knowledge of AMR.
Dr. Pigott added: "Antimicrobial resistance happens naturally over time. However, the rate of antimicrobial resistance is increasing because a huge number of antimicrobials are being used across the world in humans, animals, and the environment.
This resistance, she said, is made worse by the fact that antimicrobial medicines are being overused or not used correctly on pets and farm animals.
"The result of this is that common infections are becoming more difficult to treat and multi-drug resistant bacteria are developing.
"This is a problem because many antimicrobial medicines do not work to treat these multi-drug resistant bacteria or ‘superbugs'," Dr. Pigott said.
VICAS advises that antimicrobial medicines should only be used when they are needed to fight infections.
The vet groups said it is important to:
- Only use antimicrobial medicines when they are needed;
- Increase access to sanitation, making sure there is access to clean toilets and washing facilities;
- Practice good infection and disease prevention and control, in health-care facilities, on farms and in general around the home.
VICAS is a signatory to the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2021-2025, a joint initiative by the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The action plan outlines over 150 actions to tackle the threat of AMR, and the survey will assist VICAS in its efforts as part of the plan, the vet group said.
