Ireland’s commitment to control of antimicrobial resistance is a positive example for other states, say EU officials

The national antimicrobial usage database for pigs introduced last November will be extended to other farmed animals. The data will allow farmers benchmark themselves according to use of antimicrobials, and develop better understanding of usage patterns. Photo:iStock

Controlling antibiotic-resistant infections in human health will bring increasing pressure on Irish farms, according to an EU report on the development and implementation of Ireland’s national strategy for tackling antimicrobial resistance.

The main veterinary focus is likely to be on pig farms, according to the new report from the European Commission Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety.