The use of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine is prevalent in teaching hospitals, general veterinary practices, field operations and emergency referral clinics every day.

Dr. Alexandria Gochenauer, Clinical Staff Pharmacist at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital in Urbana, explains the reasons behind antimicrobial stewardship and why it’s important to have protocols in place. She also reviews how hospital owners/operators can establish and maintain these procedures to ensure the safety for those who provide animal healthcare, for the animals they treat, and for their human caretakers.

Dr. Joanne Carlson, ISVMA President, hosts the conversation.

The US Food and Drug Administration Guidance for Industry #263, or GFI 263, goes into effect nationally in the US in early June 2023. The new mandate changes the approved marketing status of certain antimicrobial drugs from over the counter to prescription status. Drugs that were commonly found on retail shelves and through online sources will no longer be available for purchase by the public and will only be accessible by veterinarian prescription.

In this episode, Dr. Michael Costin, Associate Director in the Division of Animal and Public Health at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), explains the background and reason for GFI 263's enactment. Dr. Costin also talks about how it impacts not only the veterinary profession but also consumers who raise, breed and care for companion and large animals. Dr. Joanne Carlson, ISVMA President, hosts the conversation.

Inaugural Podcast:  The ISVMA has been working closely with the State of Illinois regarding appropriate language within the update of the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2014.

Joanne Carlson, DVM, ISVMA President, Loving Care Animal Hospital, Palatine, interviews Stephen Dullard, DVM, DABVP, Ancare Veterinary Clinic, Mendota, and Ancare Veterinary Hospital in LaSalle, ISVMA's Legislative Chair and an AVMA Delegate, on specific language updates regarding the Practice Act and where it currently sits in the Illinois Senate.

Drs. Carlson and Dullard also discuss HB1533, which the ISVMA is strongly opposed. HB1533 removes decisions about a cat's well-being from highly trained veterinarians charged with their care. As of podcast release, the bill is in the Illinois Senate awaiting action.