Effectiveness analysis of antimicrobial use in veterinary medicine: Balancing economic and public health considerations

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) constitutes one of the significant threats to public health, and this is partly due to overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in human and veterinary medicine. The cost-effectiveness of different strategies in responsible antimicrobial use, a critical practice in veterinary sectors controlling AMR, is often unclear. This essay seeks to discuss the application of pharmacoeconomics in evaluating the economic impact and public health implications emanating from various practices in AMU in veterinary medicine. A review of the existing literature shows challenges in variability in antimicrobial use across animal species, difficulties in quantifying indirect costs, and data limitations. The essay also brings out successful studies using pharmacoeconomic models, providing insight into their potential for evidence-based decision-making. This essay focuses on the equilibrium among animal health, human health, and economic sustainability in trying to provide guidelines on future research and policy directions regarding responsible use of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine as support for veterinarians, policymakers, and researchers.