The VMD supports and encourages the responsible use of antibiotics and has produced a summary position statement on
Responsible use of antibiotics under the cascade (PDF, 87.4 KB, 7 pages).
Responsible antibiotic use under the cascade requires vets to take into consideration not only the most appropriate active substance(s) but also;
the most appropriate formulation
the posology
the current pattern of resistance in their locality
an awareness of how to reduce selection pressure, and
related factors eg good biosecurity and husbandry/hygiene, avoiding surgical sepsis etc
If a vet can demonstrate that these steps have been taken, then cascade use of antibiotics is supported.