Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains one of the biggest threats to both human and animal health. Addressing AMR is a global endeavour that requires coordinated action to minimise impacts on people, animals and our shared environment. Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial agents, such as antibiotics, antivirals, antiparasitics and antifungals. Microorganisms naturally develop resistance to antimicrobials over time through genetic changes, but the inappropriate use of antimicrobials can accelerate the changes to the microorganism that allow resistance to develop and flourish. This can make infections in both humans and animals harder, or impossible, to treat.
The department, in consultation with animal sector stakeholders, drafted Australia’s Animal Sector Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan 2023 to 2028. It aligns with the seven objectives of the Australia’s National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy – 2020 and Beyond and priority activities of the One Health Master Action Plan. It outlines the agreed priority activities for Australia’s terrestrial and aquatic animal sectors to implement the 2020 Strategy.
The animal sectors in the action plan include terrestrial and aquatic food- and fibre-producing animals, companion animals (including performance animals), zoological collections, laboratory animals and wildlife treated with antimicrobials. Activities described in the action plan are intended to be carried out over the next five years, after which new priority activities will be developed.
The action plan was published in September 2023 and launched with a webinar on 25 October. Around 100 people attended with presentations given by Dr Kylie Hewson from CSIRO, Professor Sam Abraham from Murdoch University, Dr Jane Heller from Heller Consulting, Professor James Gilkerson from the University of Melbourne and Dr Samantha Ellis from the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer. The presentation was followed by a discussion period for questions about the plan and its implementation.
View the webinar recording and the official document at https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/animal/health/amr/anima…
Please contact amr@aff.gov.au for more information.
