Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobials are drugs used to treat infections in humans & animals. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when micro-organisms that cause infections adapt & prevent an antimicrobial from working against it. Zerlina Pratt, as part of Farm Walk and Talk with AgriAware has more information

Antimicrobials are drugs used to treat infections in humans and animals. Antimicrobials work by killing micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.) or stopping the growth of micro-organisms that cause infections. Antimicrobials include medicines such as antibiotics, antifungals and antivirals which are essential in protecting human and animal health, as well as animal welfare. 

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when micro-organisms that cause infections adapt and prevent an antimicrobial from working against it. As a result the antimicrobials used to treat infections are no longer effective, limiting the treatment options available and therefore making the most common infections more difficult to treat. 

It is unlikely that there will be any new classes of antibiotics available for many years. This poses a serious threat to disease control throughout the world. This is not only a global public health concern but it will also have consequences for animal health, food security and the environment.

In farming, animals treated with antibiotics can become potential sources of AMR. Resistant bacteria can be transmitted between animals, humans and the environment so AMR is a problem for both animals and, more importantly, humans. 

Scientists believe that by 2050, we could have more deaths globally from AMR than cancer. It is very important That antimicrobial drugs are used properly. 

Find out more about AMR here 

View more Farm Walk and Talk videos here