Efforts to harmonize antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance systems in animals are advancing in Asia, the region most at risk from increased antibiotic resistance in both animals and humans, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), announced today.

A team of international experts is meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, this week to develop the second in a series of proposed AMR surveillance guidelines for Asia. AMR occurs when organisms become resistant to antimicrobials. One way of addressing the emergence of superbugs, resistant against a range of antimicrobials, is through improved surveillance systems to protect animals, people and livelihoods.

Antimicrobial resistance is a major health concern for humans, animals and the environment. It has prompted moves to regulate and monitor the use of antimicrobials such as antibiotics around the world.

The importance of AMR was again emphasized early in 2018 as FAO signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) agreeing to strengthen their long-standing partnership with a strong focus on addressing this global health issue.

Human lives at risk

If not tackled, it’s projected that, in coming years, up to ten million people could die annually due to AMR – with half that number in Asia. While over-prescription of antibiotics for human use is a major cause, misuse and overuse in animal production is also a major risk factor.

To further strengthen regional efforts to deal with AMR, the team of experts meeting in Thailand is developing regionally harmonized guidelines on AMR surveillance for bacterial pathogens in diseased livestock and poultry.  Anchored in principles of quality data generation, and grounded by field realities in Asia, the envisioned guidelines are expected to guide the development of treatments and improvements in responsible antimicrobial usage along the continent’s food chains.   

Other surveillance guidelines being developed include food-borne bacteria from healthy animals (Guideline No. 1); bacterial pathogens from aquaculture (Guideline No. 3); bacteria from animal settings/environment (Guideline No. 4); and, antimicrobial usage data collection (Guideline No. 5). These guidelines are expected to be published and released later in 2019.

The United States Agency for International Development has provided resources for this consultation as part of its commitment to address AMR globally.