BACKGROUND Antimicrobial resistance has emerged in recent years as a significant public health threat, which requires both an ethical and a scientific approach. In a recent Policy Delphi study, on-farm use of antimicrobials was a key concern identified by veterinary professionals in Ireland. In this case study (the second in a series of three resulting from a research workshop exploring the challenges facing the veterinary profession in Ireland; the other two case studies investigate clinical veterinary services and emergency/casualty slaughter certification) we aim to provide a value-based reflection on the constraints and possible opportunities for responsible use of veterinary antimicrobials in Ireland. RESULTS Using a qualitative focus group approach, this study gathered evidence from relevant stakeholders, namely veterinarians working in public and private organisations, a representative from the veterinary regulatory body, a dairy farmer and a general medical practitioner. Three overarching constraints to prudent on-farm use of veterinary antimicrobials emerged from the thematic analysis: 'Defective regulations', 'Lack of knowledge and values' regarding farmers and vets and 'Farm-centred concerns', including economic and husbandry concerns. Conversely, three main themes which reflect possible opportunities to the barriers were identified: 'Improved regulations', 'Education' and 'Herd health management'. CONCLUSIONS Five main recommendations arose from this study based on the perspectives of the study participants including: a) the potential for regulatory change to facilitate an increase in the number of yearly visits of veterinarians to farms and to implement electronic prescribing and shorter validity of prescriptions; b) a 'One Health' education plan; c) improved professional guidance on responsible use of veterinary antimicrobials; d) improved on-farm herd health management practices; and e) the promotion of a 'One Farm-One Vet' policy. These findings may assist Veterinary Council of Ireland and other competent authorities when revising recommendations concerning the prudent use of veterinary antimicrobials in farmed animals.

中文翻译：

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爱尔兰兽医行业面临的挑战： 2. 兽医抗菌药物的农场使用。


背景技术近年来，抗生素耐药性已成为重大的公共卫生威胁，这需要道德和科学的方法。在德尔福最近的一项政策研究中，爱尔兰兽医专业人士指出，农场使用抗菌药物是一个关键问题。在这个案例研究中（由一个研究研讨会得出的三个系列中的第二个案例研究，探讨了爱尔兰兽医行业面临的挑战；另外两个案例研究调查了临床兽医服务和紧急/伤亡屠宰认证），我们的目标是提供一个价值-基于对爱尔兰负责任地使用兽用抗菌药物的限制和可能机会的反思。结果 本研究采用定性焦点小组方法，从相关利益相关者那里收集了证据，即在公共和私营组织工作的兽医、兽医监管机构的代表、奶农和全科医生。主题分析显示了农场谨慎使用兽用抗菌药物的三个首要限制：“法规缺陷”、“缺乏有关农民和兽医的知识和价值观”以及“以农场为中心的担忧”，包括经济和畜牧业担忧。相反，确定了反映可能的障碍机会的三个主题：“改进法规”、“教育”和“牛群健康管理”。 结论 根据研究参与者的观点，本研究提出了五项主要建议，包括： a) 监管变革的潜力，以促进兽医每年到农场就诊的次数增加，并实施电子处方和缩短处方有效期； b) 一项“同一个健康”教育计划； c) 改进负责任地使用兽用抗菌药物的专业指导； d) 改进农场牛群健康管理实践； e) 推广“一农场一兽医”政策。这些发现可能有助于爱尔兰兽医委员会和其他主管当局修订有关在养殖动物中谨慎使用兽用抗菌药物的建议。