Antibiotic resistance in the spotlight

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK



Antibiotics, which are essential medicines to control and treat infections in humans and animals, are losing efficacy at an increasing rate due to overuse and misuse.

A workshop to raise awareness on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial use (AMU) took place earlier this year, at which Windhoek veterinarian Dr Anselm Voigts represented the Livestock Producers Organisation (LPO).

According to Voigts the human, animal and plant health sectors have a shared responsibility to prevent antimicrobial resistance.

“The risk of AMR increases whenever these medicines are used inappropriately. AMR can and will have a serious impact on animal and human health. If strict measures are not implemented immediately, it will be the cause of millions of deaths in the future,” Voigts warned.



Over the counter

The biggest challenge for Namibia in this regard is the wrong use of antibiotics supplied to farmers without prescriptions.

“There are many examples of excessive unnecessary administration of antibiotics, wrong applications for conditions without indication for antibiotics or wrong choice of antibiotics and very often wrong dosages used (under-dosing), which are very important factors leading to AMR,” Voigts said.

He said this situation is also a great concern to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and can seriously affect the country's meat export status.



Expert guidance

Voigts said the responsible use of antimicrobials should be guided by veterinarians to ensure that they are only used when necessary, at the correct dosage and duration of treatment. “The drug expiry date, withdrawal period and storage instructions must be strictly adhered to and the livestock owners must keep adequate records as prescribed in the FAN Meat regulations.”He said it is the livestock owner's responsibility to maintain optimal animal health and animal welfare protocols, ensure good animal husbandry and farm biosecurity, basic hygiene precautions and good vaccination protocols to minimise the need for antibiotic use in food-producing animals.

According to him the authorities concerned are aware of the far-reaching implications a change in the scheduling of antibiotics in Namibia will have.

“There will be a long road ahead and all stakeholders will be invited to participate in further discussions before any changes can be implemented,” Voigts said.