Antibiotic resistant bacteria are one of the biggest threats to humanity today, and it is possible for resistance to spread among animals, humans, and the environment. Fighting antibiotic resistance is a priority for AniCura and several measures have been initiated to reach the ambitious goal of reducing the antibiotic use to 5 % by 2030 meaning in 2030, 5% of the dogs in AniCura will receive systemic antibiotics. In QualiCura, AniCura’s quality program, there are several focus areas addressing this issue. In addition to ensuring wiser antibiotic use, QualiCura also focuses on securing proper infection prevention and control.
Last week AniCura presented its annual study on systemic antibiotic use. These yearly studies are part of AniCura´s ambition to make a better world for pets by shaping the future of veterinary care. The study released last week showed that the prescription of antibiotics has decreased to 8,5% compared to back in 2016 when AniCura conducted its first study. In seven years’ time the prescription of antibiotics have decreased from 14% to 8,5%. Over 197 clinics in 12 countries participated in this study based on 29,056 dogs.
- We at AniCura have a big responsibility, as we are treating more than 3.6 million patients annually. As we grow with an increased number of clinics, we will continue to put a lot of emphasis and focus on ensuring a wiser antibiotics usage, and we will continue to measure our progress through our annual surveys, says Jacques Bonin, Chief Medical Officer at AniCura.
Increased compliance to AniCura´s guidelines for antibiotic use is needed
To further ensure wiser antibiotic use in the company, AniCura´s strategic group for antibiotic use, produced guidelines for the most common indications of systemic antibiotic use. These guidelines included surgical antibiotic prophylaxis, wound infections and abscesses, gastro-intestinal disorders, skin infections, urinary tract infections, dental procedures, and lower and upper respiratory diseases. Together with a written document, the recommendations were presented in webinars to further enhance best quality of care.
In 2018, AniCura set an ambitious goal for responsible antibiotic use in dogs, aiming for only 5% of dogs receiving antibiotic treatment by 2030. Although we have seen progress since the first annual study in 2016, further efforts are needed to reach this goal. The awareness and compliance to AniCura antibiotic guidelines must be emphasized to ensure that every time antibiotics are prescribed, their use is justified and necessary. It is only through ongoing education and constantly driving awareness that progress will continue to be achieved in this critical area.
About the study
AniCura's study was conducted during a week in October 2022, where 197 clinics participated in 12 countries, which included 29,056 dogs. On average, 8,5% of the dogs received antibiotics. The complete results will be published in AniCura’s Quality & Sustainability Report 2022.
For more information, please contact:
Ulrika Grönlund, DVM, PhD, Associate Prof.
Sustainability & Veterinary Medical Communications Manager
+46 706 38 75 62
ulrika.gronlund@anicuragroup.com
AniCura is a family of animal hospitals and clinics specialised in veterinary care for companion animals. Born out of the idea that sharing resources creates opportunities for better veterinary care, the company was established in 2011 as the first merger of companion animal hospitals in the Nordic region. Today, AniCura is a role model within specialised veterinary care and a valued partner for pet owners and referring veterinarians across Europe.
AniCura offers a wide range of high-quality medical services covering preventive and basic health care as well as advanced diagnostics, internal medicine, intensive care, surgery, and orthopaedics. AniCura also provides rehabilitation, physiotherapy and dietary advice and offers selected pet food and care products.
AniCura provides modern, high-quality veterinary care for pets at 450 European locations and creates peace of mind for pet owners through excellent access and patient safety. Every year, AniCura’s 11,000 passionate veterinary professionals attend to 3.6 million companion animal patients. AniCura is a trusted training and referral body.
Since 2018, AniCura is part of Mars Veterinary Health, a family-owned company focused on veterinary care.
For information on how AniCura is working to shape the future of veterinary care, please visit our website www.anicuragroup.com