Antibiotics used on an otherwise healthy animal will kill good bacteria in the gut and create an environment where bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics can grow and thrive. If the animal later gets sick, treatment with an antibiotic they’ve already been exposed to might not be effective against these resistant pathogens.
Prevention of potential illness is the best solution, but if an animal is already sick or at risk there are still options. Treatment optimization, such as decision-making tools, or tools to rapidly diagnose the cause of illness and best method of treatment, can help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. Alternative treatments such as phage therapy or nutrition to support the gut microbiome are other options to consider.
Phage Therapy
Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that selectively target and kill bacteria. Phage therapy offers an alternative solution to treating bacterial infections with antibiotics.
Auto-Dosing Gun
An Auto-Dosing Gun, or Smart Dosing Gun, is a tool used to administer accurate and consistent doses of veterinary medicines to livestock.
Social Pressure to Prescribe
Prescribers often experience social pressure from patients or clients to prescribe antibiotics.