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What is Antimicrobial Resistance in Animals?
Antimicrobial resistance in animals occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites adapt and withstand medicines designed to eliminate them. This makes treatments less effective, infections harder to control, and increases the risks of disease transmission, severe illness, and even death.
For veterinarians, this is especially critical due to the interconnected health of animals, humans, and ecosystems. The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH,) stresses its importance, noting that 1.3 billion people depend on livestock and more than 20 million rely on aquaculture for their livelihoods.
How Does AMR Develop?
While resistance can naturally occur, human and animal practices accelerate the problem. Common causes include:
- Overuse of Antimicrobials – Excessive or unnecessary use of antibiotics, such as for growth promotion in livestock.
- Incomplete Treatments – Stopping prescribed medication too early, allowing resistant pathogens to survive.
- Poor Infection Control – Weak hygiene or biosecurity measures on farms and in clinics.
- Improper Disposal of Drugs – Expired or unused drugs entering the environment, spreading resistant strains.
The Impact of AMR on Animals and Humans
AMR makes common infections in animals more difficult to treat, leading to longer illnesses, severe disease progression, and higher treatment costs. It also creates zoonotic risks, as resistant bacteria can transfer from animals to humans, threatening public health.
Economically, AMR reduces the effectiveness of antimicrobials, prolongs treatments, increases mortality, and imposes heavier financial burdens on farmers and pet owners.
Veterinary Role in Combating AMR
Veterinarians are vital in slowing down resistance by:
- Using antibiotics only when necessary and supported by diagnostics.
- Educating pet owners and farmers on responsible drug use.
- Promoting vaccination, preventive care, and strong biosecurity measures.
- Supporting better policies for antimicrobial use and waste management.
To support responsible antibiotic use, Bioguard offers the miniAST Veterinary Antibiotic Susceptibility Test Analyzer, a tool designed to help combat antimicrobial resistance with game-changing features:
| Feature | Benefit |
| Fast Results | Get results in just 6 hours, enabling swift and confident treatment. |
| Automated Interpretations | Instantly deliver precise susceptibility profiles, supporting faster, more informed clinical decisions and optimizing patient care. |
| Dual-Sample Testing | Double the efficiency with simultaneous analysis of two samples at once. |
| High Accuracy | Achieve an impressive 92% accuracy rate compared to traditional disc diffusion tests. |
📌 Note for Veterinarians:
The miniAST Veterinary Antibiotic Susceptibility Test Analyzer is available exclusively to licensed veterinary clinics and hospitals.
📩 How to Order miniAST
To purchase miniAST or request a quotation, please contact our sales team or email our customer service:
📧 service@bioguardlabs.com
☎️ Please include your hospital name and contact number so our sales representative can follow up with you directly.
Source:
World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) – Antimicrobial Resistance