The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, T.D., launched a new section on his Department’s website on the issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to coincide with European Antibiotic Awareness Day (http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/amr/).                    

Minister Coveney stated that he viewed the initiative as key to the Department’s goal of raising awareness of the issue of antimicrobial resistance among farmers, veterinary practitioners and other stakeholders in the agri-food sector.  “My hope is that people will visit the webpage and come away with a better understanding of what antimicrobial resistance actually is as well as some advice on what simple steps they can take to help address this societal challenge and preserve these essential medicines in both human and animal health.”

Agri-food & AMR aims to provide farmers and all those involved in the agri-food industry with information and advice in relation to prudent use of antibiotics as well as the latest research and publications on antibiotic resistance.

Minister Coveney mentioned what he feels will be of particular interest to the average visitor.  “As I’ve said, the aim of the webpage is really to raise awareness and make people realise the connection between being careful in their use of antibiotics and how this prudent use can protect against bacteria becoming resistant.   Having considered how best we might achieve this objective, we’ve created a section called ‘Farmer Viewpoints’ which features interviews with individual farmers on how they view the use of antibiotics and where they see a farmer’s responsibility lying in relation to this issue. Our thinking is that this message would be better understood coming from other farmers.”

The webpage also contains the latest publications and reports on AMR as well as conference presentations.  In addition, visitors will be able to address any questions they might have on the subject of AMR directly to an expert from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine via an “Ask Our Experts” facility.

Note for Editors

What Is Antimicrobial Resistance?

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is where the medicines used to treat diseases caused by specific microorganisms are no longer effective. Antimicrobial resistance commonly refers to antibiotic resistance where antibiotics are no longer working effectively to kill or inhibit disease-causing bacteria. Antimicrobials are a scarce commodity and an essential resource in the treatment of human and animal disease. The rise of AMR is seen as a global public health threat with consequences for animal health, food security and the environment. The development of resistant strains of bacteria is a natural phenomenon, which is very complex and multi-factorial - but excessive or inappropriate use of antibiotics increases the development and spread of resistance. Poor infection control practices, inappropriate food handling practices and in particular poor disease prevention strategies encourage the further spread of AMR.

What is the effect of AMR?

A recent European Commission report estimated that drug-resistant bacteria are now responsible for about 25,000 human deaths per annum in the EU alone, with associated healthcare costs and productivity losses of €1.5b. The Commission also estimated that approx. 4m patients are estimated to acquire a healthcare associated infection in the EU every year.

View this Press Release as a PDF: DAFMPR 201/2015 (pdf 463Kb) 

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney with from left Caroline Garvan Veterinary Inspector, Hazel Sheridan Senior Veterinary Inspector and Martin Blake Chief Veterinary Officer at the launch of the new Webpage providing information and advice on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the department of Agriculture .   

Date Released: 18 November 2015