To mark European Antibiotic Awareness Day (18 November), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) released two joint statements reaffirming their shared commitment to responsible antimicrobial use and the global fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Strengthening stewardship
The first statement outlines a set of detailed recommendations aimed at policymakers, regulators and the animal health industry to reinforce antimicrobial stewardship worldwide. Key recommendations include:
- Maintaining veterinary oversight of medically important antimicrobials
- Ensuring science-based, sector-specific regulation of antimicrobial use
- Balancing animal health and welfare alongside human health in AMR risk analyses.
Monitoring of antimicrobial use
The second statement focuses on the essential role of monitoring of antimicrobial use and data collection in tackling AMR. It calls for:
- Stronger global surveillance systems
- Harmonised standards for data collection and analysis
- Coordinated One Health approaches that integrate human, animal, and environmental health perspectives.
'Need for a true One Health approach'
FVE President Siegfried Moder noted that effective AMR management ‘demands a true One Health approach where each sector takes responsibility for its own practices while working collaboratively.’ Although most human AMR burden originates from healthcare-associated infections, he stressed that collective action across all sectors remains crucial. The veterinary profession continues to contribute through preventive healthcare, biosecurity measures, and judicious prescribing practices, he added.
Resources, Research and Continued Access to Treatment
The joint statements also highlight the wider global needs, including access to reliable diagnostics, sustainable funding for AMR research and surveillance, and the preservation of effective antimicrobials to safeguard animal health and welfare while mitigating resistance risks. The AVMA, CVMA and FVE represent a total of 400,000 veterinarians.
(photo ©microrao/Wikimedia)