Many people die every week because the antibiotic that should cure them is not effective anymore. Although a lot of infectious diseases in people and animals can be treated without the use of antibiotics, they are still routinely given. Moreover, they are often prescribed without having performed a culture and an antibiogram (which is done in order to know which antibiotic is appropriate). Even antibiotics that should be set aside for life-threatening infections are often given without a second thought.

Our veterinary centre in Ecublens was chosen by Berne and Zurich University Animal Hospital as part of a national research study on multiple drug resistant (MDR) bacteria in dogs, cats and pet owners. Only two veterinary centres in the French part of Switzerland are taking part in this project.

Infections with multiple drug resistant bacteria are problematic as mainstream antibiotics cannot control them.

These bacteria can spread over to different species and can contaminate the environment. To this day, the frequency to which our pets are carriers of multiresistant germs is unknown. It is also not clear how likely these bacteria can spread from people to pets and vice versa.

You can help us in the fight against antibiotic resistance by taking part in this research project, founded by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (OSAV).