A new digital infection prevention and control (IPC) tool has been launched by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) to support veterinary professionals worldwide. Available on the Firstline health technology platform as a free mobile app and web-based resource, the tool provides point-of-care guidance to help reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR) risks in animal care settings.
The tool’s purpose
Announced during U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week and World AMR Awareness Week in November, 2025, this initiative aims to make infection prevention strategies more accessible to veterinarians.
- Global relevance: AMR poses a cross-species threat, as resistant pathogens can spread between humans and animals.
- Stewardship focus: By preventing infections, veterinarians can reduce unnecessary antimicrobial use, preserving drug efficacy for both animal and human medicine.
“The best way to prevent the unnecessary use of antimicrobials is to prevent infections from occurring in the first place,” said Helen Buck, operations director at Firstline.
Key features
The tool is divided into four practical sections:
Veterinary IPC Principles – foundational infection control strategies
Applied IPC for Veterinary Practice – step-by-step implementation guidance
IPC by Disease and Agent – tailored precautions for specific pathogens
NYC Veterinary Health Alerts and Advisories – timely updates on emerging risks
It also provides resources on:
- Developing IPC programs in veterinary facilities
- Strengthening antimicrobial stewardship programs
- Applying IPC precautions for companion animals.
Collaboration and development
The tool was developed by the NYC Health Department in collaboration with the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, with funding from the CDC’s Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Program.
Dr. Karen Alroy, medical epidemiologist and ACVPM diplomate, led the project, noting that infection prevention challenges are common in veterinary practice. The tool aims to put practical IPC guidance directly into the hands of clinicians.
What this means for veterinary professionals
Supports AMR stewardship: Aligns with AVMA’s core principles of judicious antimicrobial use, disease prevention, and professional education.
Accessible worldwide: Free mobile and web access ensures global reach.
Enhances patient care: By embedding IPC into daily practice, veterinarians can safeguard animal health while contributing to public health protection.
This tool represents a significant step in equipping veterinarians with real-time, evidence-based infection prevention guidance, reinforcing the profession’s role in combating antimicrobial resistance.
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