The World Health Organisation states: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top global public health and development threats. It is estimated that bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths.

As veterinary professionals we are responsible for our prescribing behaviour when it comes to antimicrobials. Our drug choices should be considered and the use of second or third line antibiotics justified.

Drug selection is mutlifactorial and when it comes to exotics many vets will reach for 'Baytril' in exotic animals because it is licensed, it is considered a 'safe' drug in exotic species, it can be effective, and knowledge may be lacking of 'safe' alternatives nevermind the doses.

Unfortunately, many of the infections in exotics we see are often secondary to stress induced immunocompromise resulting in normal microflora becoming opportunistic pathogens. Without correcting the underlying issue then at best we will achieve control not cure, leading to yet more antibiotics being prescribed.

Antibiotic selection in exotics (mamamls,birds, reptiles) is a massive topic to cover in one session, so come join me for a whirlwind tour of drug selection, pain assessment, and husbandry considerations that will reduce the stress of the individual animal, promoting immunocompetance, and empower you to make logical drug choices of first line antibtiotics and know when it is appropriate to reach for the fluoroquinolones.