Survey on the use of antibiotics among Swiss equine veterinarians

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the current use of antibiotics by Swiss equine veterinarians and to compare the results with a similar study from 2013 before the introduction of the web tool Antibiotic Scout. The survey was sent to equine veterinarians according to the member database of the Swiss Veterinary Association (GST, SVS). The demographic data of the respondents and their antibiotics usage were collected. In addition, six different case scenarios were presented with questions to their potential antibiotic usage, active substance/preparation and the dosing scheme. The dosage provided was compared with the dosage information approved by Swissmedic in the information for healthcare professionals and the recommendations of the antibiotic scout. A backward logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between different aspects of antibiotic use and demographic data. The response rate was 94/739 (13 %), 22 of the 94 (23 %) had also participated in the 2013 study. 47/94 (50 %) of the respondents obtained their information from the antibiotic scout. The respondents indicated that they used an antibiotic in 16 %-88 % depending on the case scenario. Neither 3rd nor 4th generation cephalosporins or fluoroquinolones were used in the case scenarios. Dihydrostreptomycin was indicated as a possible antibiotic in a case scenario by 14/94 (15 %) of the respondents. Respondents who had already taken part in the 2013 survey used dihydrostreptomycin significantly more frequently (7/22, 32 % vs. 7/72, 10 %; p = 0,047). 29/81 (36 %) had underdosed compared to the prescribing information and 38/81 (47 %) compared to the antibiotic scout; neither was associated with demographic data. The use of non-equine-licensed antimicrobial products was directly related to the number of veterinarians in the practice (p = 0,007) and to the percentage of horses (p = 0,02). No association between demographics and peri-operative antibiotic use >24h (17/44, 39 %) was detected. The antibiotic prescribing habits of Swiss equine veterinarians have improved over the last 10 years. The antibiotic use decreased compared to the study of Schwechler et al. in 2013 by 0-16 % depending on the case scenario. The use of 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins was reduced by 4 % and fluoroquinolones by 7 %. Underdosing according to scientific recommendations was reduced by 32 %. Furthermore, there is a need for additional information regarding the indication for antimicrobial use and the adequate use of perioperative antibiotics.