StAR in the veterinary health sector
Human and animal health and the environment are closely linked and influence each other (‘One Health’). The prevention of antibiotic resistance and disease in animals is based on the guiding principle of creating conditions that keep animals healthy and reduce the need for antibiotics. Good hygiene, optimal housing conditions and good herd management can contribute to this in the veterinary field. Measures in the veterinary field are coordinated by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office and implemented in collaboration with the cantons and numerous other stakeholders.
Im Fokus
Information System on Antibiotics in Veterinary Medicine IS ABV
Since the implementation of the Strategy on Antibiotic Resistance Switzerland (StAR) began, various measures have been taken in Switzerland to reduce the use of antibiotics. In the veterinary sector, the annual sales volume of antibiotics has been reported by the respective marketing authorisation holders since 2008. Since 2019, veterinarians have also been reporting and registering prescription data for veterinary medicinal products containing antibiotics for farm animals and pets in the Information System on Antibiotics in Veterinary Medicine (IS ABV).
Guidelines and online tools
If treatment with antibiotics is medically necessary, veterinarians and animal owners are jointly responsible for ensuring that they are used appropriately. Veterinarians select the right antibiotic and advise animal owners.
Therapy guidelines for veterinarians
Therapy guide – dogs and cats (in German and French)
Therapy guidelines – cattle, pigs, small ruminants and New World camelids (in German and French)
Therapy guidelines - Prudent use of antibiotics in the most common exotic pets (in German and French)
Supplement Complementary medicine to the therapy guidelines (in German and French)
Guidelines for the careful handling of veterinary medicines TAM of the GST (in German and French)
Online tools for the responsible use of antimicrobial agents
Veterinarians are supported by two online tools that help them use antibiotics and antiparasitic drugs in accordance with guidelines.
AntibioticScout (the contents of the therapy guidelines are reproduced here one-to-one)
Tools for communicating with animal owners
Publications for veterinary practices
Flyers for veterinary practices (in German, French and Italian)
Poster for veterinary practices (in German, French and Italian)
Flyers for equine practices (in German, French and Italian)
Poster for equine practices (in German, French and Italian)
Brochure: Multiresistant germs in my pet – what now? (in German, French and Italian)
Support for prevention and health promotion
Prevention is better than cure! Prevention and optimal care should strengthen animal health and reduce the need for antibiotics.
Infection Prevention and Control Manual for Veterinary Practices and Clinics in Switzerland
The handbook (in German and French) was developed by Vetsuisse Zurich in collaboration with other experts and is intended to support veterinarians in implementing infection prevention measures.
Vaccination guidelines
Strategic use of vaccines in pigs – vaccination guidelines for veterinarians (in German)
Strategic use of vaccines in cattle – vaccination guidelines for veterinarians (in German)
VaccineScout supports Swiss veterinarians in the responsible use of vaccines.
Surveillance
The distribution and use of antibiotics, as well as the emergence and development of resistance, are monitored across all areas. This data forms the basis for targeted interventions and performance reviews. Information on the development of antibiotic consumption and resistance can be found here.
Information System on Antibiotics in Veterinary Medicine IS ABV
Since the implementation of the Strategy on Antibiotic Resistance Switzerland (StAR) began, various measures have been taken in Switzerland to reduce the use of antibiotics. In the veterinary sector, the annual sales volume of antibiotics has been reported by the respective marketing authorisation holders since 2008. Since 2019, veterinarians have also been reporting and registering prescription data for veterinary medicinal products containing antibiotics for farm animals and pets in the Information System on Antibiotics in Veterinary Medicine (IS ABV).
Surveillance resistance rates
In collaboration with the Centre for Zoonoses, Bacterial Animal Diseases and Antibiotic Resistance (ZOBA) at the University of Bern, the FSVO monitors the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria in farm animals (cattle, pigs and poultry) and in meat products derived from them. Data on the resistance of pathogenic bacteria in animals is also collected. This resistance data and selected consumption data can be viewed at the Swiss Centre for Antibiotic Resistance’ (ANRESIS).
Priorities, objectives and measures of StAR in the veterinary health sector
Information on the priorities, objectives and measures of StAR
Strategy on antibiotic resistance in the veterenary health sector