Veterinary services play a key role in combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and encouraging the prudent use and management of antimicrobial products in animals, to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) noted in the "OIE Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy" released Nov. 17.

OIE, the international reference organization for standards related to animal health and zoonotic diseases, works with its 180 member countries to fight antimicrobial resistance, in particular through the development of a broad range of dedicated international standards.

The OIE AMR strategy details four objectives and describes work plans in place and in development to support member countries in averting the threat of AMR. The objectives include:

1. Improving awareness and understanding;

2. Strengthening knowledge through surveillance and research;

3. Supporting good governance and capacity building, and

4. Encouraging the implementation of international standards.

As part of its AMR Strategy, OIE said it is developing a database to establish global surveillance on antimicrobial use in animals. The database is designed to monitor the type and use of antimicrobial products, measure trends over time, trace circulation and use patterns globally and evaluate the quality and authenticity of antimicrobial products in use.

At OIE’s 83rd General Assembly in 2015, all 180 member countries made a commitment to combatting AMR and promoting the prudent use of antimicrobial agents in animals through the adoption of Resolution 26.

The OIE AMR strategy can be found online at www.oie.int/amrstrategy.