‘Infection control in companion animals is not a luxury – it’s a One Health necessity that protects pets, their families and the future of antibiotics.’ So said UEVP president Volker Moser during one of two focus groups on infection prevention and control in companion animals. Organised by the FVE during the Fecava congress on 4 September, the focus groups are part of the European Union Joint Action on Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare-Associated Infections (EU-JAMRAI 2), an FVE project.
Identifying infections, control measures and barriers
Held during the FECAVA Eurocongress in Antwerp, the focus groups explored key objectives: identifying the most relevant preventable infections in dogs and cats, assessing current infection and control and measures in veterinary practice, and discussing barriers to implementation. Particular emphasis was placed on practical solutions that can be applied in everyday clinical settings.
Protecting public health — and antimicrobials
Volker Moser highlighted the need for clear and practical guidelines, training opportunities, audit tools and owner communication materials to support veterinarians across Europe. He reminded that ‘infection prevention and control not only improves animal health and welfare but also plays a critical role in protecting public health and safeguarding the effectiveness of antimicrobials.’
‘Practical, proportionate and for everyday practice’
Infection prevention and control must be practical, proportionate and embedded into everyday routines in companion animal practice, he stressed. ‘If we equip veterinarians with clear guidance, tools, and owner communication strategies, we can make this both feasible and effective. This is how we, as a profession, can play our part in protecting animal health, public health, and the antibiotics we all rely on.’
120 partners tackling antimicrobial resistance
And where does EU-JAMRAI come in? Gonçalo Portela, project officer at the FVE explains: ‘The EU-JAMRAI 2 project (2024–2027) brings together over 120 partners across Europe to tackle antimicrobial resistance and healthcare-associated infections.’ Building on the first EU-JAMRAI, it ‘strengthens surveillance, improves antimicrobial stewardship, and promotes a true One Health approach, linking human, animal and environmental health.’
Closing gaps in surveillance
The spotlight is also on the development of the EARS-Vet platform, a Europe-wide network tracking resistance in animal pathogens. ‘The idea is to close gaps in surveillance and link animal data with human and environmental health.’ By doing so, ‘EU-JAMRAI 2 is building a stronger veterinary role in Europe’s fight against AMR.’ The next EU JIAMRAI focus group meeting on companion animals will be held in Cyprus in conjunction with the FVE General Assembly in November.
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