Advances in addressing antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been described as a silent pandemic – one that is ever-present, ubiquitous and growing but often insidious and overlooked. A true One Health issue, AMR affects people, animals, plants/crops and the environment in complex and interconnected but poorly understood ways, and the impact will continue to increase. In animals, AMR affects animal health, welfare and production and is also considered a food safety, food security and substantial economic issue. This article describes recent advances in addressing AMR in bacteria from animals, focusing on surveillance, applied stewardship, new drug development and alternatives to antimicrobials, strengthening animal health systems, changes in global awareness, and obstacles to effective surveillance and stewardship.