The Australian Veterinary Association and Animal Medicines Australia are joining forces to develop best-practice antibiotic-prescribing guidelines for livestock and horses.

The announcement coincides with World Antibiotic Awareness Week (taking place Nov. 16-23), a global initiative to raise awareness and spur action on antimicrobial resistance.

Graham Catt, CEO of the Australian Veterinary Association, said veterinarians are an important part in designing and implementing antimicrobial stewardship policies.

“All prescribers, users, and suppliers of antibiotics need to work together to manage antimicrobial resistance and extend the usefulness of our lifesaving antibiotics,” Catt said. “We are working in partnership with others to provide easily-accessible, clinically-useful antibiotic prescribing guidelines for all the main species treated by veterinarians in Australia