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Bacteria are everywhere: in our body, in animals, in the environment. They play an important role in the planet’s ecosystem.

Antimicrobials, such as antibiotics, are used to treat bacterial infections in animals and humans.

Misuse of antimicrobials can lead to bacteria becoming resistant.

Resistant bacteria can be transmitted between animals, humans and the environment.

They can also
be found in food,
including food derived from animals
such as meat,
milk and eggs.


Over 35,000 deaths
every year in the EU due to AMR.

What can be done
to reduce the use
of antibiotics in animals?

AMR is a global challenge,
and the use of antimicrobials in animals is part of the problem.
If AMR continues to grow, it will be increasingly difficult to treat some diseases.

Reduce

Reduce

the use of antimicrobials

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Reduce

Set targets

more info
Set targets for reducing the use of critically important antimicrobials that are vital for the treatment of serious human diseases.

Increase responsibility
of veterinarians

more info
Veterinarians should be accountable for their prescribing decisions. Decisions should be based on regular farm visits, clinical examination of animals and laboratory tests.

Use antimicrobials
only when needed

more info
Antimicrobials should not be used to prevent diseases in healthy animals. The preventive use of antimicrobials should be phased out.

Replace

Replace

antimicrobials with alternative treatments

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Replace

Consider alternatives

more info
Consider alternatives to antimicrobials that have been shown to improve animal health and that could reduce the need for antimicrobials. These include probiotics, prebiotics, bacteriophages and organic acids.

Research new alternatives

more info
New scientific studies are needed to investigate alternatives to antimicrobials or to reduce their need.

Develop a EU legal framework

more info
A clear EU legal framework is needed to boost the development and possible authorisation of products that can be used as alternatives to antimicrobials.

Rethink

Rethink

the livestock production system

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Rethink

Improve prevention and control of diseases in animals

more info
This includes better farming practices to prevent the introduction of diseases to farms, improving the health and welfare of animals, and protecting them from diseases through vaccines or genetic selection.

Consider alternative farming systems

more info
Farming systems where antimicrobials are often used should be evaluated. Alternative systems leading to a reduced use of antimicrobials should be explored.

Offer education

more info
Education and awareness of AMR should be addressed to all levels of society but in particular to veterinarians and farmers.

coordination

These measures
should be run together
within an integrated strategy.

monitoring

Monitoring the use of antimicrobials in animals and humans and the levels of antimicrobial resistance is key to assessing the effectiveness of measures taken.

cooperation

Governments, industry, health professionals, scientists, and consumers all have a role to play.

Together we are stronger,
together we can fight this threat.

Reduce - Replace - Rethink