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Protocol on estimation of antimicrobial usage at farm level

Year of publication 2024

Place of publication New Delhi, India ;

Pages 40 p.

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Booklet

Synopsis (short abstract) Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is acknowledged as one of the main threats to human health worldwide. It is widely recognized that antimicrobial use (AMU) leads to the selection of resistant bacteria, and that animals may constitute one of the reservoirs of resistant bacteria and resistance genes. Recently, an association between the use of certain antimicrobials in animals and the occurrence of AMR in few clinical isolates from humans has beenshown. Consequently, reducing AMU in both humans and animals is an essential step toward limiting AMR in both humans and animals. Monitoring AMU at farm or prescriber level offers the ability to pinpoint ‘non-prudent’ or excessive AMU and can help guide farm-specific preventive or corrective actions. The information arising from farm-level AMU monitoring is critical for driving antimicrobial stewardship, i.e. the establishment and implementation of measures aimed at combating AMR by promoting responsible AMU practices. This protocol for estimation of AMU at the farm level addresses: (1) data collection, (2) data analysis (i.e. the calculation of indicators to quantify AMU), and (3) reporting the results, as all are important elements in advancing antimicrobial stewardship. Each of these elements can be approached in different ways, with several decisions to be made along the way. These practical guidelines are intended to provide design for farm-level AMU monitoring. It will help to provide data on the type and detail(s) of the antibiotic(s) used and the indicators for reporting results.

Cite this content as:

FAO. 2024. Protocol on estimation of antimicrobial usage at farm level. New Delhi.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cc9293en

Language English

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