Successful Prevention of Antimicrobial Resistance in Animals—A Retrospective Country Case Study of Sweden

Abstract

The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have resulted in an alarmingly high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in human and animal bacteria. European monitoring programmes show that AMR occurrence in food animals is lower in Sweden than in most other EU Member States and that the use of antibiotics for animals is among the lowest in Europe. In this retrospective country case study, we analysed published documents to identify factors contributing to this favourable situation. A fundamental factor identified was early insight into and sustained awareness of the risks of AMR and the need for the prudent use of antibiotics. Early and continuous access to data on antibiotic use and AMR made it possible to focus activities on areas of concern. Another factor identified was the long-term control and eradication of infectious animal diseases, including coordinated activities against endemic diseases, which reduced the need to use antibiotics. Structures and strategies for that purpose established at the national level have since proven useful in counteracting AMR as an integral part of disease prevention and control, guided by a “prevention is better than cure” approach. A third factor identified was consensus among stakeholders on the need to address AMR and their cooperation in the design and implementation of measures.

Keywords

veterinary medicine; food animal production; antimicrobial resistance; antimicrobial use; disease prevention; disease eradication; antimicrobial growth promoters; organised health control; policies and guidelines

Published in

Antibiotics
2021, volume: 10, number: 2, article number: 129

SLU Authors

• Wierup, Martin

  • Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Wahlström, Helene

  • National Veterinary Institute (SVA)

Associated SLU-program

AMR: Bacteria

Global goals (SDG)

SDG3 Good health and well-being

UKÄ Subject classification

Clinical Science

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10020129

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/110650