The Welsh Government laid out its plans to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animals and the environment at this week’s Royal Welsh Show.
The five-year plan was launched by Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs last week and is part of Wales’ contribution to the UK Five-Year National Action Plan, published in January.
It encourages:
- The responsible use of antimicrobials through preventive measures such as animal health planning, measuring farm-level antibiotic usage data;
- Setting antibiotic stewardship standards for both prescribing and supply; and
- Gaining a better understanding of the role of the environment in the development and spread of AMR.
An AMR Delivery Group has been set up to oversee the delivery of the five-year plan.
British Veterinary Association (BVA) Welsh branch president Ifan Lloyd and council member Amelia Stevens will represent the veterinary profession in this group.
Lloyd said: “We are very pleased to see Wales adopting a proactive and collaborative One Health approach to tackle the very real and serious global threat of antimicrobial resistance.
“Vets in government and private practice have already made huge strides in stewarding responsible antimicrobial use in Wales.
“As a member of the AMR Delivery Group, I look forward to continuing working with colleagues across government and industry to achieve the goals laid down in this five-year vision.”
