PHASE A : INTRODUCTION
Quality Assurance
QA programs for producers • annual review of antibiotic use
• audited by independent third party
• compliance required for antibiotic use
• require drug logs
• include incentives and penalties
• improved surveillance on prescriptions and antibiotic use
• regulation and review of antibiotic use on farms
• mandatory ongoing education is a component of QA
• mandatory Livestock Medicines Courses to purchase antibiotics , include industry personnel in training
• veterinarians have a “ train the trainer ” role
• voluntary reduction in antibiotic use by producers
• encourage buy-in and engagement
• educate on identifying sick animals early , decrease mass treatment with antibiotics , improve responses to first treatment , assure informed use , reasons for extra label drug use , value of prescription only antibiotics , drug choices and rationale , consequences of misuse , record keeping
• Institute financial penalties for producers for high antibiotic use
• Include incentives with a substantial premium for participation in QA
• conduct pilot project , evaluate compliance and ensure program is credible and practical
• require up to date records
• include over-riding principles and specific uses in protocols and standard operating procedures ( SOPs )
• SOPs for all common conditions and vaccination protocols written by veterinarians - include decision trees , flow charts to aid in prevention , diagnosis and treatment
• monitor protocols are being followed
• need investment of resources to develop SOPs
• develop farm specific SOPs in consultation with veterinarians
• standardize protocol requirements across the livestock sectors
QA for veterinarians • annual monitoring of dispensing of antibiotics
• improved surveillance / oversight on veterinary prescriptions and antibiotic use require reporting by veterinary clinics on antibiotic use
• standard of practice for prescribing and dispensing of antibiotics , decision cascades
• updated appropriate use guidelines are enforced
• enforce VCPR
• separate prescribing practises from drug sale profits
• decreased reliance on antibiotic sales for veterinary income
• restrict antibiotic rebate programs
• institute financial penalties for veterinarians for high antibiotic use
• mandatory annual continuing education CE required by CVO to renew license
• increased emphasis on prudent use and resistance in undergraduate curriculum
• provide ongoing professional development including current trends , implications of resistance , pharmacology , surveillance trends , sensitivity trends , SOPs , how to educate producers , appropriate drug choice , length of use , protocol development , dosage , withdrawal periods , establishing a VCPR
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