This course examines the presence and impact of antibiotics in the environment and the important role veterinarians play in addressing this global issue. Antibiotics used in both human and veterinary medicine can enter soil, water, and food chains through improper disposal, agricultural runoff, and excretion from treated animals.

The course explains how environmental contamination with antibiotics contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a serious threat to both animal and human health. It explores how resistant bacteria can spread between ecosystems, livestock, wildlife, and people, creating complex public health challenges.

A key focus is the veterinary role in antimicrobial stewardship. Veterinarians are responsible for ensuring the rational use of antibiotics in animals, including correct selection, dosage, and treatment duration. The course also highlights preventive strategies such as vaccination, improved hygiene, biosecurity measures, and alternative treatment options to reduce antibiotic dependence.

Additionally, it discusses regulatory frameworks, waste management practices, and surveillance systems that help monitor antibiotic use and resistance patterns in the environment.

By the end of this course, learners will understand the environmental impact of antibiotics and how veterinarians contribute to reducing antimicrobial resistance through responsible clinical practice and preventive health strategies.