Dr Mark Schipp on raising awareness of antimicrobial resistance

Raising awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

Australian veterinarians are adept at following good antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) practices. As we recognise World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2022 I wanted to thank you for doing your part to prevent antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and showcase some useful educational resources whilst highlighting the One Health importance of antimicrobial stewardship.

AMR occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria become resistant to antimicrobial medicines such as antibiotics. AMR is one of the biggest threats to human and animal health today.

Veterinarians have a vital role to play in limiting the spread of AMR, and educating the animal-owning community about the responsible use of antimicrobials. As the first point of contact for animal health expertise, veterinarians are influential AMR advocates, so remember to pause and consider the need for each antimicrobial prescription, take the opportunity to talk to clients about antimicrobial use and apply best practice biosecurity measures including implementing AMS plans.

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) from 18 – 24 November is an annual global campaign to raise awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The 2022 theme is, ‘Preventing antimicrobial resistance together’, as AMR affects us all, and is a threat to humans, animals, plants and the environment.

Highlighting this One Health interdependence, this year’s theme calls for cross-sectoral collaboration to preserve the efficacy of these important products. To curb AMR effectively, all sectors must use antimicrobials prudently and adopt other preventive measures. This will help save millions of lives, preserve antimicrobials for generations to come and help secure the future from drug-resistant pathogens.

Australian animal industries are one of the lowest users of antimicrobials in the world, and testing for AMR in some of our major livestock and seafood industries has shown there is little to no resistance to antimicrobials. This is due to our farming system – we have extensive farming systems over large areas of land, good animal welfare and husbandry practices, and excellent biosecurity practises which keep our animals disease free, thereby reducing the need for antimicrobials.

The continued efforts of our animal industries and government means that the risk of AMR remains low, and we can ensure the health and welfare of our animals are maintained. Working together really is the key to preventing AMR, and I encourage the veterinary profession to work collaboratively with clients and stakeholders, from pet owners to livestock producers, and all others involved in the care of animals, to champion antimicrobial stewardship and minimise the threat of AMR.

There are many reasons why veterinarians choose to prescribe antimicrobials, and the department has contracted the University of Melbourne to survey the prescribing decisions and attitudes of veterinarians and the expectations of their clients. The results from this survey will inform the development of communication and educational material.

Over the last few years, the department has also worked with some of Australia’s major livestock industries to assess the levels of AMR in animals. Pork, chicken meat and egg, barramundi and salmon industries have all taken part in surveillance studies over the last few years to assess the levels of AMR in each of their industries. Pleasingly, all studies showed that the level of AMR was either low or negligible against antimicrobials of human importance. These results are encouraging, and demonstrate that the good work being done by our farming sectors is resulting in positive outcomes—for the industry, for consumers and for the wider community.

Australia’s Animal Sector Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan

Australian animal sector stakeholders agreed to provide strategic, national and coordinated support to the ‘Australia’s National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy – 2020 and Beyond’ through an industry specific AMR action plan.

Developed by the animal sector for the animal sector, this plan includes a number of priority activities that stem from the One Health Master Action Plan and build on the animal sector’s already extensive work to address AMR.

Consultation with a small stakeholder group has already been undertaken to ensure that this action plan is fit-for-purpose and practical. The department will soon be putting the action plan out for further consultation through our Have Your Say platform, and we welcome feedback from all members of the animal sector including veterinarians.

AMR and AMS Resources

Many veterinarians will be familiar with the AMR Vet Collective, which was developed to translate the science behind AMR into practical resources veterinarians can use to inform prescribing decisions. The AMR Vet Collective is part-funded by the department, and their website includes examples of AMR in animals, prescribing support for veterinarians through decision trees and guidelines, and an online AMS learning program.  

The Veterinary Antimicrobial Stewardship (VetAMS) online learning program provides learning materials enabling participants to become leaders in veterinary antimicrobial stewardship. This interactive program not only provides information to assist in prudent antimicrobial use, but veterinarians can earn continuing professional development points for every completed module. I encourage everyone to participate in this excellent learning resource.

The National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship (NCAS) also promotes the rational use of antimicrobial drugs throughout Australia, and they’ve some fantastic resources for veterinarians on their website. The Australian Government’s Antimicrobial Resistance website contains guidance and resources about AMR and AMS for animal owners, veterinarians, those in the agriculture and industry, and the general public.

Together we can all make a difference to combat AMR. For the latest updates on the work of the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer, please follow my social media channels on LinkedIn and Twitter. Please also follow Australian Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Beth Cookson on her social media channels on LinkedIn and Twitter.