Review on Rational Use of Veterinary Antimicrobials and Anthelmintics

A systematic review was conducted to assess the rational use of veterinary antimicrobials and anthelmintics. Veterinary drugs are used as therapeutic, prophylactic and growth promotion, and can be used in either rational or irrational way. Rational use of drugs means the sick animals receive medications appropriate to their clinical needs, in doses that meet their own individual requirements, for an adequate period of time, and at the lowest cost to them and their community. Irrational drug uses are characterized by over-prescription, inappropriate dosage, incorrect duration and unnecessary risk. This irrational activity of antimicrobial use results antimicrobial resistance which is the current global health threat. The review shows problems in generic prescribing, incorrect diagnosis, and non-availability of standard veterinary treatment guideline and drug formulary especially in developing countries. Therefore, veterinary drugs, especially, antimicrobial agents should be judiciously used" and a wide scale study to safeguard the public from drug residual effects and antimicrobial resistance development is recommended.