Animal Husbandry department to create awareness on antimicrobial resistance

The Animal Husbandry department in Kerala is launching a series of awareness classes during World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week, which runs from November 18 to 24. The campaign aims to educate farmers, livestock inspectors, department staff, and pharmacy students, as well as pharmacy students, about the importance of responsible antibiotic use and the serious consequences of antimicrobial resistance.

This year's theme, 'One health, one action: Prevent AMR now,' emphasizes the need for a collective effort to tackle AMR. The Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Strategic Action Plan (KARSAP) will oversee a range of programs during the week, all focused on promoting responsible antibiotic use, preventing unnecessary medicine use, disease prevention, and AMR control specifically within the animal husbandry sector.

As highlighted by the World Health Organization, antimicrobial resistance occurs when pathogens become less responsive to antibiotics, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, disability, and death. To combat this global health threat, the statement advises following doctors' advice for antibiotic use, avoiding self-medication, not administering antibiotics to animals without a veterinarian's prescription, and adhering to the recommended dosage and duration of treatment.