Keeping Up Our Guard (Text Version)

Take a look at this swine veterinarian. The veterinarian is reviewing susceptibilty tests that were performed on a group of hogs for her client for farming. Unfortunately, his farm has a refractory respiratory infection that can't seem to be fought off.

Veterinarians work closely with farmers to identify the best treatment even though each party has individual responsibilities. This forms the veterinarian-client-patient relationship or VCPR.

The veterinarian is trying to avoid the use of antimicrobial medications for the hogs. That's to avoid creating bacteria that may become resistant to treatment.

Before prescribing this type of medication, veterinarians know the importance of checking the Food and Drug Administration's list of prohibited antimicrobials; ones that aren't permitted in treating food animals.