OIE to develop global standards on antimicrobial use

World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) officials want standardized controls on antimicrobial sales and use, with use supervised by animal health officials.

Delegates from the organization adopted those principles in late May as part of a strategy to reduce the threats posed by antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. The delegates met in Paris for the organization’s 84th General Session.

A report presented at the meeting, “Combatting antimicrobial resistance through a One Health approach: actions and OIE strategy,” indicates OIE officials plan to continue efforts to harmonize standards on legislation, guidance, and surveillance on antimicrobial use as well as continue efforts to train and educate animal health professionals, collect information on antimicrobial use and resistance, and maintain antimicrobial availability in veterinary medicine.

The report indicates antimicrobial resistance is a “whole-of-society” problem that requires equal engagement as a primary concern in human and animal health.

OIE officials hope to overcome challenges such as lack of veterinary service capacities in some countries, poor implementation of antimicrobial use standards, and lack of access to safe and effective antimicrobials.