The action plan encourages a One Health approach to the responsible use of antimicrobials.

BVA welcomes plan’s emphasis on preventative measures

A five-year action plan that encourages a One Health approach to tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been launched in Northern Ireland.

‘Changing the Culture 2019-2024: One Health’ has been compiled by the Northern Ireland Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

The launch took place on Thursday (16 May), attended by chief veterinary officer Robert Huey, chief medical officer Michael McBride and FSA director Maria Jennings.

The action plan encourages a One Health approach to the responsible use of antimicrobials with emphasis on effective vaccination and biosecurity, better hygiene, stronger laboratory capacity and disease surveillance, and investment in new therapies and diagnostics.

Chief veterinary officer Robert Huey said: “The agriculture and veterinary sectors will play a key role, in partnership with Government, in the successful delivery of the agreed actions contained within the “Changing the Culture”. A ‘One Health’ approach will give us the best chance of progress in contributing to efforts to ensure antibiotics keep working.”

It comes a week after the BVA published its updated position on AMR, which also calls for a One Health approach to tackling the issue. BVA Northern Ireland branch president Aurelie Moralis, said:

“We are pleased that Northern Ireland’s new five-year action plan on antimicrobial resistance identifies a need for collaborative, cross-sector working as crucial to tackling this serious global threat. We welcome the action plan’s emphasis on preventive measures and a commitment to supporting the development of innovative therapies and strengthening the links between research, policy and professional practice.”
 
She continued: “BVA is committed to providing continued leadership on the issue. Vets in government and private practice in Northern Ireland have already made huge strides in stewarding responsible antimicrobial use. We now look forward to seeing all government departments embedding this One Health approach, and working in partnership with stakeholders in industry and the veterinary profession to further achieve the goals laid down in this five-year vision.”