From OIE standards to responsible and prudent use of antimicrobials: supporting stewardship for the use of antimicrobial agents in animals

Abstract

The global action plan (GAP) on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) advocated the development of national action plans on AMR and the implementation of plans aimed at preventing, combating and monitoring AMR. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)’s strategy on AMR and the prudent use of antimicrobials is aligned with the GAP and recognizes the importance of a One Health approach. This paper reviews the goals, tools and strategies that the OIE has in place to support its Members, envisioning an increased awareness of them and ultimately an increased implementation of the OIE standards. The OIE standards are endorsed by vote of all the 182 Members and are recognized by the World Trade Organization (WTO). The OIE List of Antimicrobial Agents of Veterinary Importance, which includes specific recommendations on the use of antimicrobial agents, is also of particular importance for antimicrobial stewardship. OIE’s antimicrobial use (AMU) data collection started in 2015 and has been developed in particular to measure trends in AMU. An annual report is published as an output of this data collection. An AMU IT database system is being developed. The OIE provides assistance to its 182 Members to strengthen the implementation of OIE standards via its support of good governance, the Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) Pathway, PVS Veterinary Legislation Support Program and training of veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals. In parallel, the OIE Observatory is a recent initiative, specifically targeting the monitoring of the implementation of the OIE standards. Cooperation agreements between the OIE and intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations are instrumental for the increase of the dissemination and implementation of the OIE standards and guidelines.

Current Insights Regarding the Role of Farm Animals in the Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance from a One Health Perspective

“…The OIE has developed a classification scheme of antimicrobials of importance to animal health (Table 1) [34]. The development of this OIE list is based on the scientific opinion of experts and is regularly updated when new information becomes available [35]. Meanwhile, the WHO has developed a scheme to classify antimicrobials with respect to their importance to human medicine into three categories: critically important, highly important, and important [36].…”

“…There is substantial overlap between the WHO and OIE list regarding the importance of some antimicrobial classes for both human and veterinary medicine such as third-and fourth-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones [37]. Ultimately, both the WHO and OIE lists contribute to the development and update of national treatment guidelines and advices on prevention and risk prioritization to preserve the efficiency of antimicrobials that are essential to safeguard human and animal health [35].…”

Designing Nerve Growth Factor Analogues to Suppress Pain Signal Transduction Mediated by the p75NTR-NGF-TrkA Complex: A Structural and Biophysical Perspective

“…The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) recognizes the need for access to antimicrobial agents in veterinary medicine. Antimicrobial agents are essential for treating and controlling infectious diseases in animals [1]. Antimicrobial agents are considered popular to fight diarrhea in calves.…”

“…Antimicrobial resistance is a global public and animal health concern that is influenced by the usage of antimicrobial agents in humans, animals and elsewhere [1]. The historical and growing emergence of drug resistance among E. coli and Salmonella spp.…”

Quality of Data Recording and Antimicrobial Use in a Municipal Veterinary Clinic in Ghana

“…The optimized use of antimicrobials can be assessed by monitoring adherence to specific treatment guidelines and documenting prescription practices related to the appropriate use of antimicrobials and the correct dosage, frequency of administration, and duration of treatment [16]. In this regard, the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly known as OIE) provides guidelines for the use of antimicrobials and the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance in animal health [17]. The guidelines provide a well-established data collection system that, if followed, produces representative and validated data that are critical for tracking and assessing treatment outcomes in animal health [18].…”