Working together to prevent antimicrobial resistance

Working together to prevent antimicrobial resistance is vital and a key priority being highlighted as the theme of this year’s World Antimicrobial Resistance Week from November 18 to 24.

Australian Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Mark Schipp said it is important not to become complacent about antimicrobial resistance.

“Antimicrobial resistance, or AMR, is one of the biggest threats to human and animal health today. AMR occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria become resistant to antimicrobial medicines such as antibiotics,” Dr Schipp said.

“In Australia, our animal industries have some of the lowest antimicrobial use in the world. Combined with our strong biosecurity systems and good animal welfare and husbandry practices, we are well placed to prevent the advancement of AMR.

“We must all work together, and collaborate across all fields including human medicine, animal health, agriculture and the environment, to prevent antimicrobial resistance and ensure that life-saving medicines remain available for future generations.”

An AMR action plan specific to the animal industries is being developed to continue the implementation of Australia’s National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy – 2020 and Beyond. The department will soon be putting the action plan out for further consultation through our Have Your Say platform.

“The AMR action 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,” Dr Schipp said.

“Together we can all make a difference to combat AMR, and during World Antimicrobial Resistance Week I encourage everyone to learn more about AMR, and work together to spread the word about the importance of preventing AMR.”

For more information on World Antimicrobial Resistance Week visit https://www.amr.gov.au/.