Idexx has launched Pet Resist (www.petresist.com), an online map of the levels of antibiotic resistance recorded in cats and dogs by the company over the past five years. 

The map displays geographical variations in resistance to the top 10 antibiotics used in cats and dogs. 

Simon Wootton, UK CAG Marketing Manager from Idexx said: "The ability to select the most appropriate antibiotic prior to testing may increase the effectiveness of treatments and reduce the number of return visits. We believe that this new service will also help prolong the effective life of existing antibiotics at a time when there is considerable pressure on the profession to reduce their use."

Pet Resist shows levels of resistance overlaid on an interactive UK map down to individual postcode areas. You enter the postcode, the antibiotic (amoxicillin, ampicillin, cefaliexn, etc) and the suspected organism (E coli,S aureus, etc), after which you'll be able to see the level of resistance based on historical data from the past five years, and use this to help choose appropriate therapies.

Simon added: "We have used results of MIC tests on over 200,000 samples submitted to Idexx to develop the database upon which the resistance levels are based. The data will be continually updated as we receive more samples at our Wetherby laboratory, further increasing the accuracy and value of the service to vets and their clients." 

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.