Enhanced surveillance systems to support responsible antimicrobial use in animals

Progress toward optimal antimicrobial use shows signs of slowing down in the animal health sector. Antimicrobials are critical medicines whose effectiveness must be preserved for the treatment, control and, where appropriate, for the prevention of infectious diseases in animals, humans and plants. Resistance to these medicines has become a major concern, and it endangers everyone’s health. Although AMR is a natural phenomenon, it can be greatly accelerated by the improper use of antimicrobials in different sectors.