Enovat: the European Network for Optimization of Veterinary Antimicrobial Treatment

Peter Damborg, Fergus Allerton, Alain Bousquet-Mélou, Chantal Britt, Petra Cagnardi, Luis Pedro Carmo, Iskra Cvetkovikj, Marcel Erhard, Annet Heuvelink, Lisbeth Rem Jessen, Gudrun Overesch, Ludovic Pelligand, Jonathan Gómez Raja, Karolina Scahill, Dorina Timofte, Ana P Vale, Kees Veldman, Els M Broens

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The global antimicrobial resistance crisis has been the driver of several international strategies on antimicrobial stewardship. For their implementation on field level, the veterinary sector encounters several specific challenges and in particular: (i) a shortage of experts in key disciplines related to antimicrobial stewardship, (ii) a lack of evidence-based antimicrobial treatment guidelines, and (iii) inferior diagnostic tests available compared to human medicine. The present white paper describes how the COST Action ENOVAT (the European Network for Optimization of Veterinary Antimicrobial Treatment, CA18217), comprising 332 persons from 51 countries, worked towards solutions to these challenges. Initially, surveys were conducted to explore the present state in Europe in terms of existing antimicrobial use guidelines and microbiology practices performed. Concurrently, various research activities were launched to optimize diagnostics, including development of epidemiological cut-offs, clinical breakpoints and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry interpretive criteria. Also, guidelines drafting groups working towards evidence-based antimicrobial treatment guidelines for six conditions in food-producing and companion animals were established. The processes and outcomes, also in terms of capacity building, are summarized in this white paper where emphasis is placed on sustainability of the activities. Although several ENOVAT initiatives and spin-off projects will continue beyond the Action, we recommend that a new European veterinary research agenda is launched focusing on research and funding leading to long-term impacts on veterinary antimicrobial use.

Original languageEnglish
Article number170
Number of pages14
JournalOpen Research Europe
Volume4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Aug 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
Copyright: © 2024 Damborg P et al.

Funding

This project has received funding\u202Ffrom the European Union\u2019s Framework Programme for Research & Innovation as part of the COST Action [CA18217, European Network for Optimization of Veterinary Antimicrobial Treatment], as supported by the COST Association (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).

FundersFunder number
European Union’s Framework Programme for Research & Innovation
COST Association
European Network for Optimization of Veterinary Antimicrobial Treatment
European Cooperation in Science and TechnologyCA18217

    Keywords

    • Antimicrobial
    • ECOFF
    • MALDI-TOF MS
    • antimicrobial resistance
    • antimicrobial treatment
    • clinical breakpoint
    • diagnostics
    • microbiology
    • treatment guideline
    • veterinary medicine

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Enovat: the European Network for Optimization of Veterinary Antimicrobial Treatment'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this