The World Health Organisation (WHO) has defined the ‘highest priority critically important
antimicrobials’ (HPCIAs), which are considered critically important in human medicine. Protection and responsible use of HPCIAs are vital to preserve antimicrobial efficacy in the long term, for both human and animal health.
Veterinary industry guidelines recommend that HPCIAs are ideally prescribed following culture and susceptibility (C&S) testing wherever possible to ensure appropriate use and protect these critical agents. However, there are circumstances in equine and small animal veterinary practice where HPCIAs are used without diagnostic testing.
Understanding when and why HPCIAs are prescribed in dogs, cats and horses may help identify intervention opportunities to support the responsible use of these agents.
A project at the University of Liverpool funded by CVS Veterinary Group is exploring the behavioural
drivers around the use of C&S with HPCIAs and opportunities for change. Potential interventions
aimed at increasing C&S testing and reducing HPCIA use will be developed through collaboration
with stakeholders and piloted in equine and small animal practices.
