New Equine Guidelines strengthen suite of AVA’s antimicrobial resources

Antimicrobial resistance is a global concern, and the veterinary profession is working alongside human health professionals to address the issue. Fighting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the AVA's strategic policy objectives. 

Developed in partnership with Animal Medicines Australia (AMA), with additional funding from AgriFutures Australia, the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has this week launched Australia’s first nationally endorsed Antimicrobial Prescribing Guidelines for Horses - a landmark step in tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and supporting evidence-based prescribing across the veterinary sector. 

Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) past President, Associate Professor Laura Hardefeldt said the guidelines are both timely and essential.  

“These guidelines offer practical, science-based solutions tailored to our field,” Assoc Prof Hardefeldt said.  

“They empower our clinicians to deliver the best care for horses while fulfilling our shared responsibility to combat AMR. This resource will help to ensure those decisions support both equine welfare and public health.”  

Veterinarians rely on antimicrobials to treat diseases and prevent suffering in companion animals, livestock and other species. It is critical that the profession is able to retain access to these essential medications, and that the medications remain effective, for the ongoing protection of animal health, animal welfare, and public health. 

Australian veterinarians are trained and experienced in the principles of judicious antimicrobial use. Their good antimicrobial stewardship has positioned Australia favourably in terms of minimising the development of AMR thus far. The AVA has been actively involved in assisting veterinarians in practice to continue to exercise best practice prescribing through the development of evidence-based policies and guidelines.  

In 2017 the AVA embarked on a joint project with Animal Medicines Australia, to develop best-practice prescribing guidelines for horses and livestock species. We have nearly completed this major undertaking, with guidelines for Pigs, Poultry, Sheep, Dairy Cattle, Feedlot Cattle and Horses completed. Extensive Beef Cattle guidelines will follow in 2026.  

AVA is also involved in a number of initiatives at a national level to help in the fight against AMR. AVA has participated in Antibiotic Awareness Week since 2012 and is represented on the Australian Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Antimicrobial Resistance (ASTAG).  We have been an active participant in the development of Australia’s National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy – 2020 and Beyond and Australia’s Animal Sector Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan 2023 to 2028   

The suite of antimicrobial prescribing guidelines for livestock and horses, as well as a range of other AMR resources can be found on the AVA’s website here.