Rising antimicrobial resistance, fuelled by overuse of treatments, could be curbed with a framework inspired by climate change targets. Image Efforts to control the rise of antibiotic resistance could be informed by lessons learned from the climate change crisis, research suggests. Over-use of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture, which leads to infections becoming resistant to treatment, could be remedied with the introduction of upper limits for industry sectors, according to scientists. This approach would mirror the adoption of limits in greenhouse gas emissions in different countries. Limiting use Curbing the use of drugs where this might have minimal impact, such as their routine addition to livestock feeds, could make a significant difference in restricting the growth of resistance, according to research from the University of Edinburgh’s Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security. Their suggested framework could help meet a need identified by the UN Interagency Coordination Group (IACG) on global AMR governance for global efforts to assess and develop policy solutions for management of antimicrobial resistance. Measures are urgently needed to limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance, whereby infections develop genes that can resist treatment and make therapies ineffective. Inclusive approach The latest research, published in BMJ Global Health, seeks to address the lack of a common framework to tackle the rise of antimicrobial resistance. It offers a systematic approach to collect data on antibiotic use across medical, animal and agricultural sectors, to inform the creation of realistic reduction targets. This could identify and prioritise the most effective interventions to modify use of antibiotics across all settings, informing policy decisions. The research was supported by the Economic and Social Research Council. The current challenge with antimicrobial resistance resembles where we were 20 years ago with climate change. We can use lessons learned from that to form a collective approach to shape our response, limit spread of resistance and enable continued effective use of antibiotics. Dominic MoranProfessor of Agriculture and Resource Economics, Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security Related links Click here to read the scientific article Dr Musa Hassan on host-pathogen interactions Professor Simone Meddle on hormones and animal behaviour About the Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to more than eight hundred staff and almost fourteen hundred students, all of whom contribute to our exceptional community ethos. The School comprises: The Roslin Institute The Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security The Roslin Innovation Centre The Hospital for Small Animals Equine Veterinary Services Farm Animal Services Easter Bush Pathology The Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education We represent the largest concentration of animal science related expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge. Publication date 08 Oct, 2019
