On farm antimicrobial stewardship plans - the way forward?

The UK Five Year Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy 2013 to 2018 (https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/uk-5-year-antimicrobial-resistance-strategy-2013-to-2018) suggests that the veterinary profession should adopt the use of antimicrobial stewardship plans that are being utilised in many hospitals to guide proscribing practice. What are they? How could they be used in cattle practice and what impact may they have? Do they represent a new approach or emphasis and formulise current (and past) best practice? The official impact assessment for the Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy suggests that farm animal vets will need to change their prescribing practice. Are these reasonable adjustments to ensure continued use of antimicrobials in food production or an over emphasis on an easy target? The presentation will put the Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy into UK clinical context and provide a possible approach which may meet the expectations of government whilst giving vets an opportunity to engage with clients in active health planning.