Antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance, also known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), is a global phenomenon affecting both public health and animal health. The HPRA is actively involved in helping address the issue, recognising the need for a multi-stakeholder approach across international and species borders to make a positive impact.

Understanding the issue: causes and concerns

Antibiotic resistance develops when bacteria are exposed to antibiotics. This is a complex issue, as resistance occurs naturally and can be transferred to various degrees under different situations. The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides more information on the causes of antimicrobial resistance. A particular focus is on safeguarding the usefulness of existing antimicrobial drugs classes, as only a few new chemical classes have been developed in recent years.

Impact of veterinary antibiotics

Using antibiotics in animals poses a potential risk, as it can lead to the selection and spread of resistant microorganisms both from animals to other animals, as well as from animals to humans. This risk arises from being in contact with treated animals or their surroundings and from consuming produce (such as milk, eggs, honey, meat) from treated animals. 

Many antibiotics used for animals are the same or from similar drug classes as those used for humans, albeit that approximately 88% of veterinary drugs used in Ireland come from older drug classes.  Antibiotics have been used widely in animals since the 1950s and are viewed by veterinary practitioners as being vital for treating animals suffering from infectious diseases.

Mitigating resistance

The problem of resistance has increased over recent decades.

The risk of resistance increases if antibiotics are used:

• At too low a dosage.
• For too short a duration.
• Too often.
• As a blanket measure in an untargeted manner.
• For the treatment of bacteria that are not susceptible to the particular antibiotic.
• For the treatment of diseases caused by viruses or other germs not susceptible to antibiotics.
• For too long a period of time.