Usage of antimicrobials in equine veterinary practice
Horses may be carriers of important resistant bacteria like methicillin-resistant staphylococci. Such bacteria can potentially threaten both equine and public health, but little is known about predisposing factors like antimicrobial usage patterns in equines. Objectives of this study were to investigate the antimicrobial usage practices by Danish equine practitioners as well as factors impacting usage.
A total of 103 equine practitioners completed an online questionnaire for the study.
When asked to explain their typical treatment of six clinical case scenarios, only 1% and 7% of respondents prescribed systemic antimicrobials for a cough and pastern dermatitis, respectively. More frequent usage was reported for diarrhea (43%), extraction of a cracked tooth (44%), strangles (56%) and superficial wound near a joint (72%).
Among the antibiotics indicated for treatment, enrofloxacin was the only critically important antimicrobial agent reported by two respondents. Thirty-eight or 36% of respondents worked in practices with antimicrobial protocols. When asked to prioritize the most key factor influencing prescribing habits, bacterial culture (47%) and antimicrobial protocols (45%) were selected far more often than the owner´s economy (5%) and expectations (4%).
Veterinarians reported limitations such as the availability of only one oral antibiotic (sulphadiazine/trimethoprim) and a need for clearer treatment guidelines.
Overall, the results indicated that most Danish equine veterinarians have insight into the principles of rational AM choice. Researchers also found that more than a third (37%) of respondents had access to AM protocols in their practice, which is much higher than the 0.8% reported in a similar study in the U.K.
In conclusion, this study showed that Danish equine veterinarians rarely use HPCIAs and generally for these cases report, prescribe AMs in accordance with national guidelines. However, for some infections like strangles, there is a mismatch between guidelines and the claimed AMU practices. To raise awareness of prudent antimicrobial usage, the research team recommend implementing this topic further in the pre-and post-graduate education of equine practitioners.
Alice B J E Jacobsen, et al. “Usage of antimicrobials in equine veterinary practice in Denmark - A case-based survey.” J Equine Vet Sci. 2023 Mar 8;104267. doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104267.
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