In celebration of the World Veterinary Day 2017 theme “Antimicrobial Resistance – from Awareness to Action,” the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is highlighting the professional and public programs developed by their expert volunteers. These programs are designed to safeguard the effectiveness and accessibility of these life-saving medications for both human and veterinary use.
“Advocating for the appropriate use of antibiotics is nothing new for the AVMA,” said Dr. Tom Meyer, AVMA President. We can go back 10 years – and more – to find AVMA policies and congressional testimonies related to their use and our concerns about resistance.”
Dr. Meyer is addressing the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria on Wednesday, May 3. His testimony will be streamlined live.
Dr. Meyer will highlight how veterinarians are on the frontlines when it comes to keeping our nation’s food supply safe and their commitment to preserving the tools they need to do so. Veterinarians with expertise from diverse sectors and disciplines are assisting with the creation of policies and rules. 
In addition to working on public and veterinary policies and guidelines, professional and public education materials were developed. These include a comprehensive library with information on the new Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) rules and how they affect honey bees, backyard chickens, and other urban farm animals. Materials to help pet owners understand when an antibiotic is appropriate for their pet are also included.
“World Veterinary Day 2017 reminds us that we all have a role in preserving these medically important antibiotics and now is the time to take action,” said Dr. Meyer.
World Veterinary Day is an annual celebration coordinated by the World Veterinary Association and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) that highlights the varied facets of veterinary work and the important contributions of veterinarians around the world in improving animal health, animal welfare and public health.
