Antimicrobial Resistance and animals – Transcript
CFIA
Antimicrobial Resistance and Animals
Antimicrobial resistance, or AMR, is a global health threat that can impact people and animals.
AMR occurs when microbes such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites develop a resistance to the medicine we use to treat them.
This means antimicrobial medicine, like antibiotics and antifungals, may not work as well or at all.
Infections like pneumonia, or infections associated with minor injuries could become untreatable in animals and humans.
Antimicrobial medications are extremely important in animal and human health but, anytime antimicrobials are used, resistance can develop. Responsible use, like using them only as prescribed by a health professional, is 1 of the keys to reduce the problem of AMR.
You can play a part in combatting AMR.
For example, use antimicrobials, like antibiotics appropriately and only as prescribed by a healthcare professional or veterinarian.
Reduce the risk of AMR in animals in 3 ways.
First, keep animals healthy through balanced nutrition regular veterinary visits and protect them from injury and infection.
Second, get your animals vaccinated. Vaccines are an important step to prevent infections.
And third, talk with your veterinarian about AMR and using antimicrobials only when needed.
Stay informed, do your part to protect human and animal health, and if antimicrobial medications are prescribed, use them exactly as directed.
Learn more at Canada.ca