Antimicrobial Resistance – One Health

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is estimated to cause 700,000 deaths each year globally. This figure is estimated to rise to 10 million by 2050 if no action is taken. Figures taken from gov.uk estimate this would result in 66 trillion (GBP) in lost productivity from the global economy. Our approach is shaped by, and contributes towards, the WHO and WOAH Global actions Plans for the control of AMR, the UK National Action Plan (2019-2024), and the UK “20-year Vision”. Current delivery projects support the Wales Animal and Environment Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Implementation Plan, which runs from 2019-2024 (summer).

Arwain DGC currently lead on all animal and environment aspects of AMR controls in Wales. The project is being delivered by a consortium which includes, Menter a Busnes, Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers Ltd, University of Bristol and Aberystwyth University School of Veterinary Science and veterinary delivery partners (Iechyd Da and Milfeddygon Gogledd Cymru).

This consortium represents all of the possible people and organisations who could contribute to this highly specialised work on behalf of Welsh Government.

Arwain DGC consists of nine delivery projects with a further element focussing on stakeholder engagement, which sits across all areas.

Projects are summarised as follows –

Proof of Concept Farms – 12 farms trialling innovative technology across the beef, sheep and dairy sectors. Equine Health Clinics – offering one-to-one advice and guidance on how to keep your horse healthy. Environmental Sampling – to detect traces and transmission of AMR in the farm environment. Veterinary Prescribing Champions Network (the first of its kind, and now being replicated across the UK). Prescribing Guidelines for a range of conditions, modelled on those used by GPs prescribing in human health. Veterinary Code of Conduct promoting the highest standards of service. Biosecurity App – currently being piloted with a view to Wales wide roll-out. Syndromic Surveillance. AMU Data Collection – 98% of Wales veterinary practices are accessing a system to record usage.