1.3. The importance of regulating AMU in animals

The benefits of regulating antimicrobials in animals have been demonstrated using data from surveillance systems. For example, studies have shown a correlation between the quantity of antimicrobials used in animals and the development of AMR in bacteria in these animals. Several studies in EU countries have shown that policies to reduce antimicrobial use (AMU) have led to a decrease in AMR in Escherichia coli in food production animals (Bennani et al., 2020).

Many antimicrobials used in food-producing animals contain the same active ingredients as those used in human medicine, even though the trade names may differ. The WHO has developed a list of critically important antimicrobials for humans (WHO, 2017) that can be used to make decisions at country level about the management of AMU in food production animals (OIE, 2019a). Similarly, the OIE has provided a list of antimicrobial agents of veterinary importance. A further issue relating to antimicrobial regulation is worth considering here (Goutard et al., 2017).

Suboptimal quality of antimicrobials

OIE research in more than 130 countries found that most LMIC countries lack legislation for the control and regulation of veterinary products. Countries with regulatory frameworks on antimicrobials often have problems with implementation and enforcement due to financial constraints. Without effective regulation, poor quality and counterfeit antimicrobials, and uncontrolled antimicrobial sales are likely to be problematic (OIE, 2017).

1.2 The role of antimicrobials and different types of use

1.4 AMU in companion animals