Module 23: Antibiotic Use in Animals

This module reviews the terms and concepts necessary for veterinarians to make informed decisions regarding proper selection and judicious use of antibiotics in animals. The various benefits and limitations of antibiotic susceptibility testing and how to correctly interpret a drug label are presented. A review of the many agencies involved in regulating the use of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance and drug residue monitoring is provided. Key components of the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act (AMDUCA) and extra-label use of drugs are reviewed. Various resources to assist in making informed decisions regarding antibiotic use in animals are included.

• Describe mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance in general terms
• Define antimicrobial stewardship
• Evaluate key factors for selecting an appropriate antibiotic
• Describe the benefits and limitations of various antibiotic susceptibility testing options
• Locate and interpret antibiotic labels for the purposes of informed therapeutic decision-making
• Apply the key components of the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act (AMDUCA) to making decisions about antibiotics
• List the agencies involved in regulating antibiotics and monitoring antibiotic resistance and residues