The Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW) published the first review of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Scotland’s waters. The work, carried out the James Hutton Institute and Heriot-Watt University researchers, reviewed available literature and identified monitoring and technological approaches for detecting and tackling AMR.
This work highlighted that there is no baseline knowledge of the status of AMR in Scotland’s waters – with limited monitoring previously performed to give insight into “how widespread or how concentrated the levels of resistance microbes, genes and resistance-driving chemicals are” (see quote from Hutton press release). And that currently there is no standardised methodology for environmental surveillance and monitoring of AMR, which was identified as a key barrier to understanding AMR in the environment and it’s link to the wider One Health context.
The importance of adopting the One Health concept in our approach to addressing AMR was highlighted in the publication, and by the UK 5-year National Action Plan for AMR. Seven key policy recommendations were proposed to address the challenge of AMR in Scotland’s water environment. The need for more opportunities for research and cross-sector engagement was highlighted as a key step in ensuring the development of appropriate and effective interventions – in recognition of the close interconnection and interdependence between environmental health, human health and animal health.
This work included publication of a policy note and brief available on CREW’s website, with the appendices.