Reinforcing the messaging of the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week the senior animal health officer for FAO, discusses the impact antimicrobial resistance is having on animal health.
Misuse and overuse of antimicrobial drugs in human medicine, veterinary medicine, and food production have put our future at risk.”
Source: News Medical, November 24, 2022. Link. Responsible and prudent use of antimicrobials in animals is critical to optimizing animal health and welfare while reducing the risk of the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. It should be considered an integrated part of global health to protect animal, human, plant, and environmental health.
Good husbandry practices, biosecurity, sanitation, hygiene, vaccination, and other infection prevention measures are essential to reduce the need for antimicrobials in animals and antimicrobial pesticides in plants.
Note: Complementary to Junxia Song’s assertions are two blog posts from Scott Weese, DVM, related to antimicrobials and antibiotics:
- Antibiotic versus antimicrobial: What’s in a name? AHD, November 21, 2022. Link.
- “Misuse, overuse of antibiotics are a problem.” Yes, but … , Worms and Germs Blog, November 23, 2022. Link. We have a problem with antimicrobial USE . . . Period,” says Weese.
What’s as important <as addressing antimicrobial use overall> is reducing the need for any use at all by preventing infections before they start.” – Scott Weese, DVM
INSIGHTS: These are must-reads for animal health pros. Collectively, we are on the front lines in positions to educate people about prevention, as well as the use and misuse of antimicrobials.