Bayer Launches Guide To Diagnosing Antimicrobial Infection Bayers Second Education Now, Safeguarding Antimicrobials Guide Now Available To Download
8 years ago 
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At a time when fears about antimicrobial resistance are a key part of the veterinary agenda, Bayer Animal Health has developed the second in their series of educational guides, which focuses on the correct diagnosis of antimicrobial infections.
The guide, titled ‘Diagnosing Infections’ outlines the correct diagnostic process for antimicrobial infections, including the different techniques available, how to perform these appropriately in practice and how to interpret test results effectively.
The guide forms part of Bayer’s ‘Education Now, Safeguarding Antimicrobials’ inititative and has has been produced in partnership by three experts in the field of antimicrobials - Simon Tappin, European and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Internal Medicine at Dick White Referrals, Matt Jones, Microbiology Manager at IDEXX Labarotories, and Ross Bond RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology.
Recent surveys have shown that antimicrobials are prescribed in up to 48 per cent of dog and cat consultations,1,2 meaning antimicrobials play a vital role in the day to day running of small animal practices, however there is a need for education on this topic, with 63 per cent of vets3 stating that they would like to improve their knowledge on antimicrobials, and 90 per cent of vets4 admitting that they are concerned about antimicrobial resistance.
Simon Tappin, an author of the guide, commented: ‘Making rational and informed antimicrobial choices, where correct diagnosis of infections is a key part of this decision, is vitally important in veterinary medicine, both for the welfare of patients and in reducing the risk of developing antimicrobial resistance.
‘‘Highlighting this issue to vets, providing education and supporting them in making these decisions is crucial to ensure a responsible approach to antimicrobial prescribing.”
Hannah Watts, Group Product Manager at Bayer said: “ The ‘Diagnosing Infections’ guide has been developed in response to the recent polls amongst UK practicing vets, and is aimed to help support vets in making optimal decisions when it comes to prescribing antimicrobials. Deciding on the most appropriate product to use is vital, for both the welfare of the animal and in helping to reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance.
‘‘We will be releasing additional resources later in the year to further support the ‘Education Now, Safeguarding Antimicrobials’ campaign.”
The guide is available to download from the Bayer Vet Centre, www.vetcentre.bayer.co.uk. Alternatively, you can download the guide directly here http://bit.ly/2c8j9im or contact your local Bayer Territory Manager.
References:
1. Mateus, A., Brodbelt, D.et al, (2011). Antimicrobial usage in dogs and cats in first opinion veterinary practices in the UK. Journal of Small Animal Practice 52: 515–521
2. Radford, A.D., Noble, P.J.et al, (2011). Antibacterial prescribing patterns in small animal veterinary practice identified via SAVSNET: the small animal veterinary surveillance network. Veterinary Record 169(12): 310
3.Bayer survey amongst 456 vets investigating attitudes towards antibiotic use, conducted in March 2014
4. BVA’s Second Voice of the Veterinary Profession Survey, September/October 2014
Simon Tappin MA VetMB CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS
European and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Internal Medicine
Hon. Assoc. Professor of Small Animal Medicine, University of Nottingham
Simon graduated from the University of Cambridge and after two years in small animal practice undertook a residency at the University of Bristol in Small Animal Medicine and Intensive Care. He gained the European Diploma in Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2008. He is currently working as a consultant in small animal medicine at Dick White Referrals where he sees cases in all areas of internal medicine.
Matt Jones MSc AIBMS
Microbiology Manager, IDEXX Laboratories, Wetherby
Matt graduated from the University of Technology, Sydney, majoring in microbiology.He has worked in veterinary laboratories in Australia and the UK, across all laboratory disciplines. He has a particular interest in antibiotic resistance.
Ross Bond BVMS PhD DVD MRCVS DipECVD
RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology
Ross graduated from Glasgow Veterinary School in 1985, spent 5 years in farm and small animal practice, and then joined the Royal Veterinary College in 1990, where he is currently Professor in Veterinary Dermatology and Head of the Dermatology Service. His research work into yeast infections in dogs led to an award of a PhD in 1996. Ross holds RCVS and European College Diplomas in Veterinary Dermatology and is recognised as a specialist in veterinary dermatology by the RCVS. His research interests relate primarily to microbial skin infections in dogs and cats.
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