Biosecurity Practices to Enhance Responsible Antimicrobial Use and Reduce the Burden of Antimicrobial Resistance

Abstract

The article shows the case for using biosecurity measures to mitigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in beef and dairy production through actions of veterinarians and animal caretakers. The impact of biosecurity on the prevention of bacterial infections is discussed, with the goal being to reduce the need for antimicrobial drugs. This is expected to reduce the selection for AMR in pathogens and commensal bacterial organisms in beef and dairy animals. The potential impact of biosecurity on the prevention of dissemination of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and AMR genes in the environment is also described.

Keywords: Antibiotic resistance; Antimicrobial drugs; Antimicrobial stewardship; Bacteria; Biosecurity; Infection prevention.