Antibiotic Resistance in the Veterinary Sector

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is one of the most urgent problems with regard to human and veterinary health. The problem is evermore increasing. The main consequence of antibiotic resistance is that ‘common (deadly)’ infections are harder to treat, for example pneumonia or tuberculosis. Patients, both humans and animals, will suffer from disease for a longer time, before administered the effective antibiotic, and treatments become more and more expensive. Furthermore, hospitals have to deal with the longer hospitalisation of patients. Worldwide higher rates of antibiotic resistance are leading to higher mortality rates. The occurrence of antimicrobial resistance1 is a natural phenomenon. However, misuse and overuse of antimicrobials can accelerate the levels of resistance. Prescription of antibiotics occurs in both the human and veterinary healthcare sector and a great amount of people come into contact with antibiotics. Furthermore, it becomes clear that the environment plays a part in the occurrence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. Therefore a broad approach is needed to tackle the problem of antimicrobial resistance. Next to the formation of national plans, improving laboratory capacity, and improving monitoring and control of antibiotic use, it is important to increase the awareness and knowledge of the general public, health care workers, politicians and all other groups that somehow come in contact with antimicrobials, in order to reduce the level of resistance.