AMR Surveillance in Veterinary Sector

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance in the veterinary sector plays a crucial role in the One Health approach, enabling the early detection of resistance patterns and informing stewardship efforts. Unlike more developed human health surveillance systems, veterinary AMR monitoring is often fragmented, especially in low- and middle-income countries, due to limited lab capacity, inconsistent methods, and poor data integration across sectors. Effective surveillance depends on strong governance, reliable laboratory networks, trained personnel, and harmonised reporting standards. Global organisations such as WOAH, FAO, and WHO play a crucial role in delivering frameworks, technical assistance, and platforms like InFARM and GLASS for data collection and sharing. Regional efforts like EARS-Vet in Europe, NARMS in the USA, and CIPARS in Canada serve as models for integrated systems, while networks in Africa and Asia show emerging cooperation. Challenges like variable data quality, weak cross-sectoral links, and limited sustainability need to be tackled through capacity building, standardised protocols, digital tools, and stronger policy connections. Improving veterinary AMR surveillance is essential to protect animal and human health, maintain antibiotic effectiveness, and support sustainable food systems.