Antimicrobial resistance in animals in France: where are we?

Abstract

Antibiotics have been considered essential drugs for treating bacterial infections in human medicine. Antibiotics are also used in animals, therefore, both medicines share common responsibilities in the selection and transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This article first summarized the main features of AMR in a One Health perspective. Then, the most important outcomes resulting from the national strategy of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food to mitigate AMR in the animal sector in France (plans EcoAntibio) are presented. In particular, current surveillance of AMR includes monitoring both the food chain (slaughterhouse and meat at retail) and clinical animals (farms); data collected from the two systems were analyzed. Altogether, these results not only reflect the major efforts of veterinarians towards a more responsible use of antibiotics in France, but more globally those of all actors in the prevention of animal diseases.