As the peak body representing Australia's animal health industry, Animal Medicines Australia welcomes and endorses the United Nations Political Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

This landmark declaration sets a clear agenda for global co-operation and action on AMR, within a One Health framework – where animal, human, and environmental health are recognised as intrinsically linked.

The Declaration is a step toward galvanising global efforts to tackle AMR, with a focus on preventing disease and minimising the need to use antimicrobials. 

For more than two decades, responsible use coalitions across key markets have been driving down the need for antibiotics in livestock agriculture, demonstrating the commitment of the animal health sector to addressing AMR in a sustainable and proactive way.

Through this declaration, we now see a unique opportunity to build on that legacy and expand our efforts to ensure these practices are adopted on a global scale.

I was particularly buoyed by the consensus on three key areas:

1. Disease prevention: By 2030, all nations are urged to develop, properly resource and implement vaccination strategies for animals. Decisions on livestock vaccination are often driven by political and policy factors and improving animal vaccination rates will be an essential step in infection prevention and disease control.
2. Science-based solutions: The call for the establishment of an independent panel to provide the scientific evidence needed to address AMR is a major victory for the animal health industry.
3. Access to animal health tools: Equitable access to high-quality, affordable veterinary medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics is critical.

These commitments are vital for ensuring global food security, safeguarding animal welfare, and protecting human and environmental health.

In the past decade in Australia, we’ve already made significant strides, including removing residual growth promotion label claims for medically important antimicrobials, developing species-specific guidelines for responsible use of antimicrobial in livestock and producing information and communication materials to assist pet owners use antimicrobials responsibly.

The Declaration rightly encourages other countries to adopt approaches that are tailored to their own circumstances, and we fully support the wider application of Codex Alimentarius standards on AMR.

Antimicrobials remain essential for ethical, safe, and sustainable livestock industries.

The key is ensuring they are used only when absolutely necessary.

The UN Declaration provides the momentum needed to promote responsible use and preserve the efficacy of these essential medicines for when they are genuinely required.

Increased global cooperation is crucial, and the emphasis on scientific evidence within the Declaration is particularly heartening.

A recent report by HealthforAnimals highlights how disease prevention can significantly reduce the need for antibiotics. By investing in animal health systems and supporting innovation, we can provide the tools and infrastructure necessary to prevent disease and reduce antibiotic reliance.

The global fight against AMR will not be won overnight, but this Declaration gives us the framework and ambition to succeed.

Through the leadership of the animal health industry and the continued commitment of governments and international organisations, we are confident that meaningful progress can be made.

The lives of animals, humans, and the sustainability of our food systems depend on it.

Ben Stapley, Executive director, Animal Medicines Australia