Veterinary Sector and AMR

The veterinary sector is a key player in the global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis due to extensive antibiotic use in livestock for therapeutic, prophylactic, metaphylactic, and growth-promotion purposes. About 70% of worldwide antibiotic sales are used in animals, often surpassing human medical consumption, especially where regulatory oversight is weak. Non-therapeutic practices promote the development of resistant bacteria such as Esch. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which can be transmitted to humans through food, water, the environment, or contact, jeopardising the treatment of severe infections. The emergence of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance highlights the global health dangers of the unregulated use of veterinary antibiotics. Effective AMR surveillance systems like WOAH’s ANIMUSE, the EU’s EARS-Vet, and national programmes (e.g. INFAAR, DANMAP, CIPARS) are essential for tracking resistance patterns, guiding stewardship efforts, and shaping policies. Strategies to reduce antibiotic use include banning growth promoters, limiting prophylaxis, improving animal husbandry, enhancing biosecurity, and adopting alternatives such as vaccines, probiotics, acidifiers, and essential oils. Public awareness, strict regulation, and international cooperation, all within a One Health approach, are vital to mitigating AMR risks. Limiting antibiotic use in animals protects animal welfare, human health, food safety, and global health security.