New guidelines have been brought in to tackle the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

Fully supports need for responsible prescribing

The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) has announced its support for the need for people to understand antibiotics, so they see the importance of using them correctly.

New antibiotic guidelines published by the National Institute for Clinical Care and Excellence (NICE) have been brought in to tackle the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

They recommend that antibiotics should not be immediately prescribed to a patient when the condition is likely to get better by itself and the use of repeat prescriptions for antibiotics should be avoided, unless there is a clear clinical need.

NOAH chief executive, Dawn Howard, said: "We fully support the need for responsible prescribing, both by doctors and the veterinary profession.

“On the veterinary side, NOAH has been very actively involved with responsible use initiatives, such as the RUMA Alliance, which publishes guidelines supporting responsible use and has produced an action plan on livestock antimicrobial resistance to implement government strategy".

She adds: “We also welcome the importance attached by NICE to public understanding of how antimicrobial resistance happens, so they can understand why in some instances an antibiotic is not appropriate, and why if prescribed, they need to be used in accordance with instructions. This applies to people talking to their vet as well as to their doctor.

“Through its series of consumer studies undertaken by the IGD, NOAH has been working hard to identify what people think and what kind of messages can best help correct misconceptions and address any concerns about animal medicine use.”