Every little bit helps – especially when multiplied, and where the fight against antibiotic resistance is concerned, the more that can be done the better.
According to a World Health Organization report published earlier this month, one in six laboratory-confirmed bacterial infections causing common illnesses in people worldwide in 2023 were resistant to antibiotic treatments.
So many congrats to the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) for its new prudent use initiative launched at the end of September.
Called Uso, Consciente, Futuro Sustentável, the campaign seeks to raise awareness of prudent use for a sustainable future amongst its members and amongst those of affiliated organizations.
The initiative is inspired by the One Health principle that animal, human and environmental health are all interlinked and is sharing information to engage all the links in the production chain, encouraging them to take action on use of antimicrobials. It is being rolled out events such as poultry and pig farming trade show SIAVS and in others organized by the ABPA’s partners.
Multichannel
A dedicated website has been launched, featuring educational materials, short digital courses, and a schedule of programs and invents. Materials are also being shared on social media.
ABPA notes that it is bringing together the various sectors’ efforts and to add value to practices already in place. It will also strengthen a culture of responsibility and demonstrate that the poultry, egg and pork industries are aware of societal and market expectations.
Since the initiative’s launch at the end of September a number of groups have already signed up. These include the swine producers’ association of Rio Grande do Sul, along with the state’s animal health protection body FUNDESA.
Like many other countries, Brazil has been working to slow antimicrobial resistance for a number of years, with the Ministries of Agriculture and Health publishing an agenda to tackle it in 2018.
However, it is worth remembering that the country is amongst the top five producers for poultry, eggs and pork, so prudently or not, the country uses a lot of antibiotics in livestock production. A new campaign to raise awareness about prudent antimicrobial use? Every little helps!
