The One Health Breakthrough Partnership (OHBP) is committed to advancing collaborative efforts to address global health challenges spanning human, animal, and environmental domains. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one such challenge, posing significant risks to public health, veterinary care, and ecosystem balance. Two recently published reports shed light on the progress and challenges in antimicrobial stewardship across sectors, offering valuable insights into how collective action can drive meaningful change.
The Third RUMA CA&E Annual Progress Report
The Third RUMA CA&E Annual Progress Report marks a pivotal moment in the fight against AMR within the companion animal and equine sectors. Published by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance – Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the report highlights a series of achievements that underscore the sector’s commitment to responsible antibiotic use.
Between 2022 and 2023, antibiotic use in dogs decreased by an impressive 15%, while the use of high-priority critically important antibiotics (HP-CIAs) in dogs saw a 14% reduction. Cats exhibited similarly promising trends, with HP-CIA use dropping by 16% over the same period. These reductions contribute to a broader downward trajectory in antimicrobial use in companion animals, reflecting the growing awareness and dedication to antimicrobial stewardship.
One significant trend identified in the report is a shift from systemic antibiotics to more targeted topical therapies. While a modest increase in topical antibiotic use was observed between 2022 and 2023, this approach is considered lower risk for the development of antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, HP-CIA use in topical applications remains minimal, which is an encouraging sign that clinicians are prioritising lower-risk interventions whenever possible.
The report also emphasises the importance of industry-wide collaboration. The Veterinary Antibiotic Amnesty campaign continues to engage stakeholders in responsible disposal and use of antibiotics. Moreover, the development of advanced metrics for monitoring antibiotic use provides a clearer picture of sector performance and areas for improvement. These initiatives reflect RUMA CA&E’s commitment to fostering transparency and accountability in tackling AMR.
By expanding their remit to include antiparasitics and anthelmintics, RUMA CA&E is also recognising the broader scope of medicine stewardship. This proactive approach highlights the potential for comprehensive strategies to further mitigate risks associated with medicine use in the companion animal and equine sectors.
Scotland’s SONAAR Report 2023
Scotland’s SONAAR report for 2023, published by Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection (ARHAI) Scotland, provides a wide-ranging analysis of antibiotic use and resistance trends in humans and animals. While the report highlights areas of progress, it also raises critical concerns that demand urgent attention.
One of the report’s most striking findings is the 5.1% increase in antibiotic use among humans between 2022 and 2023. This marks a 1.5% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Most antibiotic use occurs in primary care settings, where over 31% of the Scottish population received at least one course of antibiotics in 2023. While access antibiotics—those recommended for first-line treatment—account for the majority of prescriptions, the overall rise in usage underscores the need for enhanced stewardship initiatives.
In contrast to the trends in human healthcare, the SONAAR report shows notable progress in veterinary medicine. Among participating veterinary practices in Scotland, consultations resulting in antibiotic prescriptions declined by 11.5% for dogs and 25% for cats since 2019. Additionally, HP-CIA prescriptions for cats decreased by 31.5% over the same period, while usage in dogs remained stable.
These findings suggest that veterinary professionals in Scotland are making concerted efforts to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. Tools like Scotland’s Healthy Animals website provide critical guidance for veterinarians and animal keepers, helping to promote best practices in disease prevention and treatment.
The report also highlights several concerning trends in AMR, particularly in human healthcare. Resistance in Escherichia coli urinary isolates to key antibiotics increased between 2022 and 2023, as did the incidence of carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs). These findings underscore the growing challenge of drug-resistant infections and the need for innovative solutions to contain their spread.
The One Health Perspective
Both the RUMA CA&E and SONAAR reports emphasise the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. While strides in veterinary medicine demonstrate the tangible benefits of coordinated action, the challenges highlighted in human healthcare illustrate the complexity of addressing AMR comprehensively.
For OHBP, these reports reaffirm the importance of a One Health approach to AMR. Cross-sector collaboration, data sharing, and public awareness are essential to sustaining progress and overcoming remaining hurdles. Initiatives like the Veterinary Antibiotic Amnesty campaign and Scotland’s Healthy Animals website exemplify how targeted interventions can foster responsible medicine use and reduce the risks associated with AMR.
The findings from these reports serve as both a source of encouragement and a call to action. Progress in the veterinary sector shows what can be achieved through collective effort, transparency, and innovation. At the same time, rising antibiotic use and resistance in humans highlight the need for renewed focus on stewardship, education, and policy reform.
The OHBP remains committed to supporting initiatives that drive antimicrobial stewardship and advance One Health objectives. By building on the insights provided by these reports, we can continue to safeguard the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations, ensuring healthier outcomes for humans, animals, and the environment alike.
For more details, see the full reports:
- To explore the Third RUMA CA&E Annual Progress Report, click here.
- To read Scotland’s SONAAR report, visit this link.