For many years now coalitions of stakeholders along the animal value chain have been promoting Responsible Use of medicines in animals alongside a holistic approach to preventing and minimising disease occurrence. The value of prevention is still largely overlooked however when it comes to its role not just in reducing the need to use antibiotics, but also for protecting animal health and welfare.

Prevention takes many forms and should be a key driver of One Health action plans to reduce the need for antibiotics in both human and animal health. Action plans for increased prevention can include vaccination strategies, hygiene and biosecurity measures, well-ventilated infrastructures, health planning and regular monitoring, as well as the use of diagnostics, etc.

Roxane Feller, AnimalhealthEurope Secretary General commented:
“This Antibiotics Awareness Week we recall the United Nations Political Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance published in September this year which recognises the need to prioritise and fund implementation to prevent and control infections, and calls on governments to develop animal vaccination strategies with defined implementation plans by 2030.

Calls for greater vaccination efforts must go hand-in-hand with enhanced preparedness efforts for a timely supply of quality and affordable essential veterinary medicines, vaccines and diagnostics, as well as an increased number of veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals to support Responsible Use and prevention practices.”

Countries have been collecting data on antibiotic use in animals for decades and reporting into bodies such as the European Medicines Agency and the World Organisation for Animal Health to support better understanding of global use. As such, antibiotic sales in the EU have decreased on average by 53% between 2011-2022. Whilst prevention efforts are often not recorded centrally, there is evidence that such efforts are paying off as outlined in the FAO report: How prevention can reduce the need for antibiotics. It illustrates how governments, health professionals, veterinarians and food producers can work together to implement greater disease prevention tools, reducing the need for antimicrobials on farms and transitioning towards healthier and more sustainable agrifood systems.