ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE PROGRAMS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial resistance is one of the topical issues that is part of the “One Health” concept with implications for animal health, human health, and even environmental “health”. At the European Commission (EC) level, legislation has been issued for the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance and these rules are applicable by each Member State (MS). For the proper implementation of the above legislation, audits are carried out in Member States that have developed programs on antimicrobial resistance that go beyond the EC's requests.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was the analysis of existing data reports, legislation and recommendations on antimicrobial resistance through which surveillance and monitoring is carried out in the European Union (EU).  

METHODS: The audit reports issued between 2015 and 2017 by the Food Veterinary Office (FVO), as well as the articles and studies issued by the EC through the antimicrobial resistance institutes were analysed.

RESULTS: The FVO conducted audits to “evaluate the monitoring and reporting of antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic and commensal bacteria in certain food-producing animal populations and food” in 12 MS, and audits to “gather information on the prudent use of antimicrobials in animals” in 8 MS. These are countries that have very well implemented the EC's requests and included the “One Health” perspective in antimicrobial resistance programs. Some Member States have risk management strategies for reducing antimicrobial resistance for more than 20 years. They have carried out research projects on antimicrobial resistance. There is an action plan on antimicrobial resistance at the EC level, but their implementation and understanding up to the level of all actors involved in this issue varies from MS to MS. Antimicrobial resistance in the animal population is a topical issue, notoriety among the actors involved, as well as an interdisciplinary problem with indirect results. The same principle of antimicrobial resistance in animals is applicable to humans and the environment as such, this problem can be embedded in the concept of “One Health”. The overall objective of the MS is to generate knowledge and tools to “combat” antimicrobial resistance in animals, humans and even the environment.

CONCLUSION: As a conclusion, in order to improve and optimize antimicrobial resistance programs, a “good practice guide” can be achieved by MS with extensive experience in this area, to be used by MS with a more precarious application and over time to harmonize antimicrobial resistance programs within the EU.