Network on quantification of antimicrobial consumption in animals at farm level and analysis, communication and benchmarking to improve use

It is generally acknowledged that the use of antimicrobials is the most important driver for the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In order to reduce the occurrence of AMR one of the key measures is therefore to reduce the use of antimicrobials, among others through stimulating responsible use. Many countries have set up or are in the early stages or are planning setting up systems for collection of antimicrobial use (AMU) data at herd level (species specific use data) that will allow for benchmarking and awareness rising through among others identification of high users within the various animal species/sectors in the country. The aim of implementing such data collection systems is to collect data on AMU and to use these data in order to get a better understanding of practices as well as informing farmers and veterinarians on their use thereby motivating them towards appropriate use. In countries where such systems are already implemented, these have shown to be powerful tools for antibiotic stewardship towards responsible and reduced use. However, due to a lack of standardization among the data collection systems (e.g. different data sources, different demographic information) and the data analysis methodologies (e.g. indicators used to report data, assumed weights of treated animals) the produced outcomes can be difficult to compare both between animal species and sectors but also across countries which in turn may lead to misperceptions. The use of different benchmark criteria for acceptable or problematic use further add to the confusion as is the use of different communication strategies for translating the collected information to farmers and veterinarians. Finally, it is noted that countries or organizations setting up a data collection system are experiencing similar challenges due to a lack of guidance but also a setting for sharing of expertise and experience. Therefore, the aim of this network is to perform a SWOT analysis of all systems currently available. This overview will allow identification of strong and weak parts of the existing systems and will provide information for the development of a ?best practice guidelines? adaptable to the characteristics in the various countries. The main aim is to support countries/organisations that are or are planning setting up data-collection systems by providing knowledge- and experience-based information that will enhance the quality of the collected data as well easing the development of the systems. Moreover, these guidelines aim to facilitate obtaining comparable AMU data for the various animal species, sectors and countries. The up-to-date information on all systems currently available and the guidelines will be made publicly available through an online platform. This will aid stakeholders and else interested people from various backgrounds to easily gain a comprehensive image of the on-going work on quantification of antimicrobial use at the herd level. Finally, a conference will be organized to gather all interested people active in the field of quantifying AMU at herd level with the aim to promote the guidelines as well as to discuss further developments of antibiotic stewardship in veterinary medicine.

It is generally acknowledged that use of antimicrobials is the main driver for the selection and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and that antimicrobial usage (AMU) has to be reduced. In order to evaluate the effect of management action implemented to reduce usage, including responsible use campaigns, availability of AMU data fit for this purpose is important. Many countries have set up, are in the early stages of setting up or are planning to set up systems for collection of AMU data at farm level in all or selected food producing animal species. In countries where such systems have been established, the collected data have been shown to be powerful tools for antibiotic stewardship, including use for benchmarking and for communication in terms of informing farmers and veterinarians on their use and thereby stimulating towards a reduced and more responsible use. Due to lack of standardization among the data collection systems and the reporting of the AMU data - e.g. indicators used to report data - the produced outcomes are typically not comparable. Different benchmark criteria for acceptable or problematic use as well as different communication strategies for translating the collected data towards farmers and veterinarians are used. Countries or organizations setting up a data collection system are experiencing similar challenges due to a lack of guidelines. The main aim of this network is to develop guidelines describing best practices on setting up systems for collection of AMU data at farm level that are applicable to guide antibiotic stewardship. A review of available systems for the collecting and reporting of AMU data in the participating countries will by performed by performing a SWOT analysis. Furthermore, the guidelines and information on currently available systems will be made publicly available through an online platform; this platform is intended to serve as a discussion forum, where ideas, knowledge and experiences can be exchanged.