The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed the Government’s continued commitment to containing and controlling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animals, humans, the environment, and food chain by 2040 through a global, One Health and evidence-based approach.
The new 20-year vision and five-year national action plan were launched today by Health Secretary Matt Hancock at the World Economic Forum at Davos. They recognise the crucial role played by the veterinary profession in championing responsible antimicrobial stewardship and set out ambitious plans to further reduce, refine and replace antimicrobial use in animals.
These include a commitment to reducing antibiotic use in food-producing animals by 25% between 2016 and 2020 through collaborative working with vets and farmers, and an emphasis on preventive measures such as optimising surveillance and the application of data, biosecurity, animal husbandry practices to reduce resistant infections. The plans extend beyond the livestock sector to cover aquaculture, companion animal and equine sectors.
The vision also identifies opportunities for encouraging innovations in research and development, such as a new payment system to incentivise pharmaceutical companies to develop new drugs and research to explore new ways of diagnosing, preventing and treating illnesses.
Follow the link to read the article in full on the BVA website