ANTIMICROBIAL DRUG: THE WHO AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
WAAW (World Antimicrobial Awareness Week) is a campaign promoted by the WHO (World Health Organization), which this year took place from November 18 to 23 with the goal of raising awareness about the increase in antimicrobial resistance and the need for a growing responsible use of antimicrobial drugs.
THE ONE HEALTH CONCEPT
The campaign on the responsible use of antimicrobial drugs takes a multisectoral approach and is not limited to human health but is based on the ONE HEALTH concept, which means a unified approach to health.
ONE HEALTH is a healthcare model that sees human health, animal health, and ecosystem health as inextricably linked.
From this concept arises the increasing focus on animal health, its welfare, and more sustainable production, as these aspects inevitably affect not only the organoleptic quality of products but also their hygienic-sanitary quality, as well as human health.
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
Antimicrobial resistance is the ability of a microorganism to withstand an antimicrobial to which it was previously sensitive.
In animal husbandry, antimicrobial drugs are used for therapeutic purposes to combat bacterial diseases affecting animals and are sometimes essential for maintaining animal welfare, as one of the five freedoms defining an animal in a state of welfare is to be free from disease.
However, indiscriminate and irresponsible use of antimicrobial drugs is a key factor in the development of resistance mechanisms to these drugs.
THE DATA
A recent report published on February 18, 2018, by EFSA and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), highlights with concern how antibiotic resistance has become one of the most serious threats to public health.
The reduction of antimicrobial treatments in the animal sector has thus become a priority in recent years, with a decisive role played by efforts to combat diseases through the introduction of new technologies, the implementation of increasingly effective biosecurity measures, and a growing focus on proper nutrition and animal welfare.
“UNITED TO PRESERVE ANTIBIOTICS”
The theme proposed by the WHO for World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2020 is “UNITED TO PRESERVE ANTIBIOTICS”.
Since 1984, Tecnozoo has been committed to reducing the use of drugs in animal husbandry, asserting that the health and welfare of the animal start with its nutrition and hygiene, making it their mission. Tecnozoo products indeed range from complementary feeds to everything needed for animal hygiene and biosecurity.
