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
