Animal Health Institute

To meet the global public health challenge of antibiotic resistance, we must look beyond species and geography. The animal health industry is meeting its goals for responsible use of antibiotics, and coordinated action is necessary across humans, animals, and environment. A study from University of Edinburgh explored the relationship between animal use and human AMR, finding that?“curtailing the volume of antibiotics consumed by food animals has, as a stand-alone measure, little impact on the level of resistance in humans.” Other research has found that the majority of antibiotic-resistant bacteria are transferred through person-to-person contact, particularly in healthcare settings. A?Lancet study?analyzed more than a decade of data in the Netherlands to identify the source of resistant E. coli genes in people, finding that 78.6 percent is from human-to-human transmission, environment, or other sources while 21.4 percent is from meat, seafood, or contact with farm animals. The good news is that nearly 200 nations around the world are taking collective action to address the global health challenge of animal antibiotic resistance, and the effort is?showing results. Antibiotic use in veterinary care declined?20%?between 2016 and 2019, according to the most recent data from the World Organization for Animal Health. This progress is thanks to the growing adoption of preventative veterinary tools, including vaccines, pro- and pre-biotics, and enhanced biosecurity measures. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3YX938r #WAAW #AMR #antibiotics #antimicrobials #antibioticresistance #animalhealth #veterinarycare

This World Antibiotics Awareness Week, the animal health industry recognizes the importance of responsible antibiotic use and stewardship as well as the progress toward reducing the need for antibiotics. According to a report from HealthforAnimals, data across major markets shows a declining need for antimicrobial use. In the UK, antimicrobial sales for livestock dropped by 59% between 2014 and 2022, with a 82% reduction in the use of highest-priority, critically important antimicrobials. In the wider EU, use has fallen 53% since 2011, and up to 68% in large markets like Germany. In the US sales of medically important antibiotics dropped 36% since 2015. And according to the most recent data from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), antibiotic use in veterinary care declined?20%?between 2016 and 2019. These reductions have occurred as use of prevention products, like vaccines, have dramatically risen. Data from the world’s largest animal health companies shows that since 2015, sales of antibiotics have declined 29.9 percent while sales of vaccines have increased 33.1 percent. Biosecurity measures, which refers to the physical measures that are used to prevent the spread of disease on and between farms, are a vital component in reducing AMR. A study of EU swine found that increasing biosecurity and vaccination led to a reduction in antimicrobial usage by 52% for fattening pigs and 32% for breeding animals. And a review of 27 studies across 16 countries found that 70% of results showed a positive association between farm biosecurity and management with a reduction in antimicrobial use. Ultimately, a One Health approach that incorporates human and veterinary medicine must focus simultaneously on disease prevention and optimized antibiotic use where it will have outsized impacts. Growing recognition of the One Health approach has inspired a shift toward more responsible antibiotic use and stewardship. Learn more about the declining need for antimicrobials here: https://bit.ly/3YX938r #WAAW #antibiotics #AMR #animalhealth #veterinarymedicine #antibioticresistance #antimicrobialresistance #onehealth

It’s World Antibiotics Awareness Week, and AHI is encouraged that the global quest to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is yielding results. A report developed with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) showcases the ways prevention?serves as the foundation of responsible use and action against AMR. “…FAO will support agrifood producers to adopt good practices to reduce the need for antimicrobial use and preserve the efficacy of these life-saving medicines for future generations,” said Thanawat Tiensin, FAO Director of Animal Health and Production Division. The FAO report states, “…the responsibility of curbing AMR does not fall on any one organization or country alone. It is a collective duty that requires the cooperation of governments, industry, stakeholders, researchers, and the public.” To that end, nearly 200 nations around the world are taking collective, and the effort is showing results. As stewardship has increased, the need for antibiotics has declined. In September of this year, a United?Nations political declaration?on antimicrobial resistance was adopted.?The declaration represents a global consensus for better animal health and disease prevention. And though the animal health sector has already made?enormous contributions?toward slowing AMR by reducing the need for antibiotics, action in animal health alone is not enough to neutralize the threat to human health. Studies have found that the majority of antibiotic-resistant bacteria are transferred through person-to-person contact, particularly in healthcare settings. A Lancet study analyzed more than a decade of data in the Netherlands to identify the source of resistant E. coli genes in people, finding that 78.6 percent is from human-to-human transmission, environment, or other sources while 21.4 percent is from meat, seafood, or contact with farm animals. Tackling antibiotic resistance in the animal health sector alone is only one part of the puzzle. More and better data and surveillance of drug resistance hotspots can continue to shape more effective policies for human and animal health care. Learn more about World Antibiotic Awareness Week: https://bit.ly/3ObOlgb #animalhealth #WAAW #antibioticawareness #AMR #antimicrobialresistance #antibioticresistance

AHI members joined industry and regulatory experts from around the world at the 7th VICH Public Conference. VICH plays a vital role in fostering international collaboration and setting the foundation for harmonized standards in veterinary medicines. These efforts streamline regulatory processes, reduce duplication, and ensure safe and effective animal health products reach the global market more efficiently. Thanks to Carrie Lowney, Elizabeth Norton and Rachel Cumberbatch, DVM for representing AHI in the VICH Steering Committee and VICH Forum. #VICH2024??#AnimalHealth #VeterinaryMedicine #RegulatoryHarmonization

Being around a dog can improve physical health and heart health in humans. Evidence indicates that levels of the stress hormone cortisol drop in people after just 5-20 minutes spent interacting with dogs — even if the dog is not their pet. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4fH8h6f #animalhealth #hearthealth #humananimalbond #animaltherapy #pettherapy

Check out the latest article from Carel du Marchie Sarvaas, Executive Director of HealthforAnimals, in which he expands on why #animalhealth matters, the barriers to progress and what we can expect next: https://bit.ly/3YVrQSD #livestock #emissions #climatechange

AHI members wrapped up an impactful week at the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (CCRVDF) in Omaha, achieving significant milestones for our industry.?During this meeting we saw several maximum residue limits (MRLs) advance through the process and progress on topics related to extrapolation and unavoidable and unintentional carryover in feed. A special shout-out to AHI’s very own Jesse Sevcik, Grace Gowda, and Rachel Cumberbatch, DVM, alongside NPPC’s Ashley Johnson, who shared important insights on expanding the number of veterinary drugs with Acceptable Daily Intakes (ADIs) and Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) considered by Codex. Codex standards play a critical role in establishing international harmonization of veterinary drug regulations, safeguarding public health, and ensuring fair trade. Here's to continued collaboration and to a safer, more sustainable future in veterinary health! Thank you to the U.S. Codex Office, CCRVDF Leadership and the US Delegation! ?? #CCRVDF #CodexMRLs #AnimalHealth #GlobalFoodSafety #veterinarian #publichealth

Ever wonder how much your dog understands when you talk to them? A recent study, led by Dr. Elo?se Déaux from the University of Geneva in Switzerland, reveals that the way people slow down speech when addressing dogs aligns with their receptive abilities. As a result, their dogs can better understand what they are communicating to them, helping to strengthen the human/animal bond. It is equally fascinating how dogs adjust their behaviors to communicate with their owners. Learn more about this study here: https://bit.ly/3YqvVhu #humananimalbond #animalhealth

"It's easy to say that therapy dogs have the power to improve one's mood, but having evidence to support this claim can create a meaningful impact." A recent study from Wexner Medical Center along with Ohio State's colleges of Nursing and Medicine, measured the effects of therapy dogs on healthcare workers and found that mood showed the most improvement. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3Y8PZDD ?? #therapydogs #healthcareworkers #animaltherapy

ONE WEEK! The NIAA Sustainability and Animal Disease Issues & Emergency Management Councils are excited to announce a webinar series about the importance of animal health in the sustainability landscape. Join us on October 10 with Ron Phillips from Animal Health Institute and Dr. Sara Place from AgNext at Colorado State University. These two speakers will set the stage with a global and national perspective on how animal health in the livestock sector impacts environmental sustainability. Register here. >> https://ow.ly/Hajo50TuGTy