Current Status of Antimicrobial Use in Animals

Antimicrobials are used for preventing and treating infectious diseases in animals and humans. In animals they are also commonly used to improve productivity and welfare. The overuse or misuse of antimicrobials can contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which can have serious implications on both human and animal health. It is important to increase AMR awareness and coordinated surveillance at the global, continental, and national levels to quantify antimicrobial usage and monitor AMR spread. This will help to formulate better and effective strategies and policies for the judicious use of antimicrobials and combat AMR.