Veterinary Services play a key role in combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and encouraging the prudent use and management of antimicrobial products in animals, according to the OIE Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy released today by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The OIE, the international reference organization for standards related to animal health and zoonotic diseases, works with its 180 Member Countries to fight antimicrobial resistance in particular through the development of a broad range of dedicated international Standards. [Source: OIE, November 17, 2016]
The OIE AMR Strategy details four objectives and describes workplans in place and in development to support Member Countries in averting the threat of AMR. The objectives include:
- Improving awareness and understanding
- Strengthening knowledge through surveillance and research
- Supporting good governance and capacity building
- Encouraging the implementation of international standards
As part of its AMR Strategy, the OIE is developing a database to establish a global, surveillance on antimicrobial use in animals. The database is designed to:
- Monitor the type and use of antimicrobial products
- Measure trends over time
- Trace circulation and use patterns globally
- Evaluate the quality and authenticity of antimicrobial products in use
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms that cause disease stop responding to antimicrobial drugs and medicines that were once effective in treatment. People and animals can die from common illnesses when drugs stop working against them. At the OIE’s 83rd General Assembly in 2015, all 180 Member Countries made a commitment to combating antimicrobial resistance and promoting the prudent use of antimicrobial agents in animals through the adoption of Resolution 26.
The OIE works alongside the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in coordinating strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance in humans and animals.