Dear Editor,
Antibiotics should always be used and managed in relation to animal health and public health, regardless of the species and area of practice. It seems obvious that we cannot defend restrictions that are aimed at preventing the development of antimicrobial resistance in cattle, while allowing uses for companion animals. Our commitment to animal health and welfare is real for all animals, but also for public health within the concept of “One Health.”
There are in fact restrictions aimed at avoiding severe consequences (adverse reactions) for human health linked to the use of products in food animals (e.g., chloramphenicol, phenylbutazone). The antimicrobial resistance factor should always be considered when the time comes to prescribe the use of an antibiotic, regardless of the animal. Although the link between the use of antibiotics in animals and the development of antimicrobial resistance in humans is complex and not yet well understood, all veterinarians must promote the most prudent use possible of antibiotics.
The notion that it would be more likely that the use of antibiotics in companion animals would transfer the resistance bacterium to humans, through their proximity to their master, still has to be demonstrated and, at this time, this may only support the confusion and misunderstanding surrounding this phenomenon. Arguing that these restrictions would create a strong opposition on the part of companion animal owners clearly indicates the need to better explain the issue of antimicrobial resistance to owners of companion animals as well as producers. Producers are worried about bans and restrictions that have been imposed, their impact on the health and welfare of their animals as well as their economic impacts on their businesses.
In fact, the restrictions and precautions that are requested with regard to the use of antibiotics have more to do with the knowledge and respect of the categories of importance in human medicine (I to IV) for antibiotics as presented by Health Canada. This is where the assessment of practitioners is essential for the choice of the most prudent antimicrobial therapy. The veterinarian must make a decision based on a rigorous decision process, which is supported by current scientific knowledge and awareness of potential consequences (including the development of resistant strains).
Fortunately, we are not at the stage of ethical considerations but more at the crucial step of scientific reality and the application of professional rigour in the prudent use of antibiotics and of all medications for the health and welfare of all.