The global antimicrobial resistance crisis - the implications for use of antimicrobials in animals

Authors: Barton M
Publication: Proceedings of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Annual Conferences, Volume 2014 AVA Annual Conference, Perth, Issue Public Health / Industry / Poultry, May 2014
Publisher: Australian Veterinary Association

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Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in human pathogens is an escalating problem and the WHO and medical authorities in many countries have also indicated concern and in some cases actually initiated some action. We are now confronting untreatable infections – back to the pre-antibiotic era. It is clear that most of the problems originate from medical use of antimicrobials but animal use also makes an important and growing contribution. An indicator of Australian concerns about AMR is the Senate enquiry in 2013 into progress in the implementation of the Joint Expert Technical Advisory Committee on Antibiotic Resistance (JETACAR) report which was released in 1999. JETACAR made a number of recommendations which if implemented would have had provided tools for reducing AMR in Australia. The then-government largely accepted the recommendations but many were not followed up. In response to the problem in humans the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) had established a medical advisory committee and response to the Senate enquiry DoHA and the then Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) held several meetings last year which promised action. It is not clear how the change of government will affect these initiatives.

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