Antibiotic Resistance and Stewardship
for Animal Health Professionals

Antibiotic stewardship is important to both animal health and food safety. Just like humans, animals get infections that require treatment with antibiotics. Responsible antibiotic use is essential to prevent emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, protect patients from adverse drug effects, and avoid antibiotic residue in animal products. The use of "best practices" for animal management, including vaccination, parasite control, stress reduction, and optimization of environment and nutrition, serves to maintain animal health and reduce the need for antibiotics.

To promote the effective implementation of antibiotic stewardship, we have compiled up-to-date resources for veterinarians, clinic staff, producers, and others in the fields of veterinary medicine and animal health.

On this page:
All animals
Commitment Materials
Learn more about antibiotic stewardship

All animals

• U of M: Antimicrobial Resistance Learning Site for Veterinary Science
• FDA: Antimicrobial Resistance
  Policy: Judicious use of medically important antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals:
  • FDA: Guidance for Industry #209: Judicious Use of Medically Important Antimicrobials
  • FDA: Guidance for Industry #213: Alignment for Drug Sponsors on #209
  • FDA: Final Veterinary Feed Directive Rule (80 FR 31707)
• USDA: Chemical Residues and Contaminants
• British Veterinary Association: Responsible Use of Antimicrobials in Veterinary Practice (PDF)

Minnesota Antibiotic Stewardship Commitment Materials

Veterinary professionals
	Poster template: Cough. Snort. Sniffle. Sneeze. Antibiotics only when needed, please. (PPT) This poster is for veterinary clinics to show your commitment to antibiotic stewardship! Download this template and add an image and logo. Sample poster: Cough. Snort. Sniffle. Sneeze. Antibiotics only when needed, please. (PDF) View this sample poster for inspiration.
	Poster template: Paws for a second. Are antibiotics needed in this case? (PPT)  This poster is for veterinary clinics to show your commitment to antibiotic stewardship! Download this template and add an image and logo. Sample poster: Paws for a second. Are antibiotics needed in this case? (PDF) View this sample poster for inspiration.
	Poster template: Keep calm. Antibiotics aren't always the answer. (PPT) This poster is for veterinary clinics to show your commitment to antibiotic stewardship! Download this template and add an image and logo. Sample poster: Keep calm. Antibiotics aren't always the answer. (PDF) View this sample poster for inspiration.
	Poster template: I pledge to do my part to prevent antibiotic-resistant infections and to keep your pet healthy. (PPT) This poster is for veterinarians to show your commitment to antibiotic stewardship! Download this template, fill in your information, and add an image and logo. Sample poster: I pledge to do my part to prevent antibiotic-resistant infections and to keep your pet healthy. (PDF) View this sample poster for inspiration.

More:

• Minnesota Antibiotic Stewardship Commitment Materials for Partners