T H E N AT I O N A L C A M PA I G N F O R A N T I B I O T I C

AWA R E N E S S

T H E A N I M A L H E A LT H I N I T I AT I V E T H AT C A N A F F E C T Y O U R F O O D , Y O U R P E T S , A N D E V E N

Y O U R O W N H E A LT H !

Zoetis, one of the largest global animal health companies in the world, officially pledged its support for the ECDC’s European Antibiotic Awareness Day. The national campaign took

place on November 18 with the purpose of spreading awareness for the wise and correct use of antibiotics in both people and animals.

T H E D R A M AT I C R I S E O F A N T I B I O T I C -R E S I S TA N T S T R A I N S …

…of bacteria over the past decade has prompted a

widespread call for a more responsible use of antibiotics. The general consensus is that

antibiotics should only be prescribed when completely

necessary, and in those instances, as long as is required

to fully treat the disease.

The concern around time of use is critical because while antibiotics can eradicate harmful bacteria, they can also elicit immunities in those same microbes if not used fully. The result is the

potential spread of diseases that cannot be effectively treated by our known antibiotics.

These suggestions have been offered by experts

for years, but Zoetis’ initiative and support

highlight how important it is that veterinarians

follow these guidelines to protect animal health,

and thereby, human health. After all, safe

animals are a necessary precursor to safe food.

…in a collection of animals can cause disastrous results if

veterinarians and farmers cannot treat them

effectively with antibiotics. Food quality is at stake, pets’ lives are

at stake, and even our own lives are at stake.

A S E E M I N G LY S I M P L E I N F E C T I O N …

Part of the change that Zoetis seeks through its campaign is educating veterinarians, farmers, and other animal-related folks on the risks of, and

updated instructions for, using antibiotics.

Veterinarians need to make correct diagnoses, farmers need to know the correct length of treatment, and everyone needs to be responsible for

addressing new challenges as they arise.

The hope is that by using antibiotics responsibly today, we will be able to continue to use them effectively in the future.

"Veterinarians have a duty to protect the health and welfare

of livestock, so that when animals get sick they need to be treated. This is why we are working with vets to ensure that they use antibiotics as

little as possible but as much as necessary."

Alejandro Bernal, Zoetis Executive Vice President

said this about the campaign:

http://scottreeddvm.net

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