Antibiotics

At Virbac, our position is clear: use antibiotics as little as possible, but as much as necessary. Faced with the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, both in humans and animals, we are firmly committed to rationalizing their use. We are deploying a comprehensive and proactive strategy, anchored on three fundamental pillars: prevention, detection, and responsible treatment, in order to preserve the effectiveness of these vital tools for future generations.

All stakeholders in responsible use
  • At Virbac, we support the "as little as possible but as much as necessary" use of antibiotics to combat the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in both humans and animals.
  • We have developed programs, such as TEAMBIOTICS, aimed at veterinarians and farmers worldwide to inform, educate, and support them in the responsible use of antibiotics.
  • We invest in R&D to offer innovative products that, while respecting the need to treat the animal, allow for a more precise and limited use of antibiotics.

WHY ANTIBIOTICS REMAIN ESSENTIAL IN VETERINARY MEDICINE 

Antibiotics are essential treatments for ensuring animal welfare. Bacterial infections are often painful and can endanger the lives of companion or farm animals. Ethics require us to treat this suffering. Furthermore, public health is directly concerned: many pathogens are zoonotic, transmissible from animals to humans. Consequently, antibiotics constitute an irreplaceable pillar of the therapeutic arsenal. However, their use must be meticulously regulated, as any inappropriate or excessive use favors the emergence and spread of resistant bacterial strains, threatening disease control worldwide.

OUR TEAMBIOTICS APPROACH: COLLABORATION IN THE SERVICE OF RESPONSIBLE USE 

Preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics is a societal issue that requires everyone's involvement. Virbac believes in the power of collaboration between veterinarians, farmers, pet owners, and the pharmaceutical industry. Our global approach, named TEAMBIOTICS, aims to sustainably change habits by supporting reasoned use. We raise awareness and train professionals, provide first-line molecules for companion animals, and actively encourage the use of targeted treatments for farm animals, often associated with diagnostic tests for more precise prescription. Rationalizing the use of antibiotics means guaranteeing the possibility of using them when all other solutions are impossible.

INVESTING IN INNOVATION: ALTERNATIVES TO REDUCE USAGE 

Reducing the use of antibiotics necessarily requires the development of alternative and preventive solutions. At Virbac, we have chosen not to conduct research on new antibiotic molecules. Conversely, we invest massively in Research & Development to offer products that limit the need to resort to them. Our R&D budget for vaccines has also almost doubled in six years. In parallel, we actively support preventive protocols based on vaccination and micronutrition. A concrete example of this commitment is the launch of our first non-antimicrobial solution, recommended as a first-line treatment for certain acute canine otitis externa, offering a concrete alternative to veterinarians.

A RESPONSIBLE APPROACH ALIGNED WITH OUR PURPOSE

Every action we take in the field of antibiotics is guided by our purpose: advancing animal health with those who care for them every day, for a better life together. Responsible management of antimicrobials is not just a regulatory or ethical obligation; it is at the heart of our mission to protect the delicate balance between human health, animal health, and the environment, in a global One Health approach. Our daily commitment is to offer professionals and owners increasingly effective and safe tools for a future where the health and well-being of all are preserved.

Companion animals

Companion animals

Farm animals

Farm animals