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As antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rises threatening serious implications for global health, agri-food systems and economies, FAO is calling on actors across all sectors, from farmers to cooks, producers to consumers, to accelerate efforts to prevent the spread of drug-resistant microbes. FAO's work on AMR is implemented in coordination with WHO and OIE using a "One Health" approach.
AMR in food and agriculture
In many parts of the world, antimicrobial use is far greater in animals than in humans, and it is rapidly increasing as populations grow and global demand for food increases.
AMR is spreading quicker than scientists can develop new antimicrobials and is threatening global food systems, food security, food safety, health systems and economies. The only solution is to take strategic action to keep antimicrobials working.
On 23 November, the UN Agency will launch a new community of behaviour change practitioners to design solutions that make it easier for people to use antimicrobials appropriately and prevent disease effectively. Combining a wealth of insights from farmers and other food chain actors, veterinarians, epidemiologists, AMR experts and behavioural scientists, this community of practice will work together to ‘nudge' behaviours at both farm and policy level - to help slow down the spread of AMR.
Actions for farmers in the fight against AMR:
- Thoroughly wash hands, shoes and clothing before and after contact with animals.
- Keep animals healthy. Healthy animals need fewer antimicrobials, which means lower treatment costs, improved food and livelihood security and fewer animal deaths.
- Keep animal facilities clean.
- Implement appropriate biosecurity measures.
- Practice "all-in and all-out" procedures to reduce the risk of new animals infecting the animals already present.
- Keep animal feed dry and stored safely away from rodents, birds, insects and other animals that can carry bacteria or other germs.
- Avoid stress for animals.
- Ensure good nutrition and clean water for animals.
- Vaccinate! Ask a veterinary expert to help administer important vaccines at the right times.
- Seek animal health professional advice for the correct diagnosis and treatment.
November 18, 2020/ FAO.
http://www.fao.org/
