Daily Current Affairs : 21-September-2023
In a world grappling with health challenges, the recent release of the 7th report by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on Antimicrobial use in animals is a crucial development. This report, covering the years 2017 to 2019, sheds light on the global use of antimicrobial drugs, commonly known as antibiotics, in animals. Let’s explore the key findings and recommendations presented in this report.
Key Findings of the Report on Antimicrobial Use
Data Sources
The report’s analysis is based on data collected from 121 participants out of 157 who submitted data to WOAH. These participants hail from across the globe, providing a representative sample of antimicrobial use.
Global Dip in Antimicrobial Use
One of the most significant findings is a 13% decrease in global antimicrobial usage in animals over the three-year period from 2017 to 2019. This reduction is a positive sign, indicating a shift towards more responsible antibiotic use.
Interestingly, out of 80 countries studied, 49 in regions like Asia, the Far East, Oceania, and Europe reported a decrease in antimicrobial use. In contrast, 31 countries in African and American regions noted an increase in antimicrobial usage during the same period, indicating regional variations.
Antimicrobial Growth Promoters
Another noteworthy discovery is that 68% of participants have stopped using antimicrobials as growth promoters. This is a positive step as the misuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture can contribute to antibiotic resistance. However, 26% of participants continue to use growth promoters due to regulatory gaps.
Common antimicrobial growth promoters include flavomycin, bacitracin, avilamycin, and tylosin. Some of these are classified as critically important antimicrobials (CIAs) by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighting the need for responsible use.
Recommendations for Antimicrobial Use
Continued Efforts to Preserve Efficacy
Despite progress, the report emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics. This includes responsible use and avoiding unnecessary administration.
Shared Responsibility for Safeguarding Antibiotic Effectiveness
Safeguarding antibiotics’ effectiveness is a shared responsibility among governments, healthcare providers, veterinarians, and the public. Developing new antibiotics is challenging, so preserving existing ones is crucial.
Monitoring and Data Collection
Effective monitoring of how, when, and which antimicrobials are used is essential. This data helps identify usage patterns and informs decision-making, ensuring the optimal and sustainable use of these vital medicines.
Antimicrobial Drugs, also known as Antibiotics
Antimicrobial drugs are substances designed to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. They are critical for treating infections in humans, animals, and sometimes even plants.
These drugs have revolutionized medicine by controlling and eliminating microbial diseases. However, their overuse and misuse have led to a concerning issue known as Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
The Challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance
Before antibiotics like penicillin were discovered, minor injuries or cuts could result in severe infections or even fatalities. Antibiotics have saved countless lives, but their improper use now threatens their effectiveness. AMR can initially emerge in animal, human, or plant populations and subsequently affect all species.
World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
WOAH, formerly known as the Office International des Épizooties (OIE), plays a vital role in global animal health. With 182 Member Countries, including India, it develops standards and guidelines to protect against diseases and pathogens. The Terrestrial Animal Health Code is one such document recognized by the World Trade Organization.
Important Points:
Key Findings of the Report on Antimicrobial Use:
- 13% global decrease in antimicrobial usage in animals from 2017 to 2019.
- Regional variations: 49 countries reported reduced use, while 31 countries reported increased use.
- 68% of participants stopped using antimicrobials as growth promoters.
- 26% continue to use growth promoters due to regulatory gaps.
Recommendations for Antimicrobial Use:
- Ongoing efforts needed to preserve antibiotic effectiveness.
- Shared responsibility among governments, healthcare providers, veterinarians, and the public.
- Monitoring and data collection crucial to identify usage patterns and inform decision-making.
Antimicrobial Drugs (Antibiotics):
- Designed to kill or inhibit microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites).
- Vital for treating infections in humans, animals, and sometimes plants.
- Overuse and misuse lead to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
The Challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):
- Improper antibiotic use threatens their effectiveness.
- AMR can emerge in various populations and affect all species.
World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH):
- An international organization with 182 Member Countries, including India.
- Develops standards and guidelines to protect against diseases and pathogens.
- Terrestrial Animal Health Code is a recognized document.
- Standards set by WOAH are recognized by the World Trade Organization.
Why In News
Recently, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) released its highly anticipated 7th report on Antimicrobial use in animals, which comprehensively covers the period from 2017 to 2019. This crucial report sheds light on the evolving trends and challenges in antimicrobial usage within the global animal industry, providing valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. The findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable practices to combat antimicrobial resistance and safeguard both animal and human health.
MCQs about WOAH’s Report on Antimicrobial Use
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Why do some participants continue to use antimicrobials as growth promoters in animals, as per the report?
A. Lack of availability of antimicrobials
B. Lack of awareness about antimicrobial resistance
C. Lack of proper legislation or regulations
D. High cost of alternative growth promoters
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What is the primary challenge associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) ?
A. Shortage of antimicrobial drugs
B. Emergence of new antibiotics
C. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics
D. Lack of access to antibiotics in rural areas
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What is the main role of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)?
A. Developing new antibiotics
B. Enhancing animal health on a global scale
C. Monitoring human health trends
D. Promoting plant health
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