European Union's Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance and Implications for Trading Partners with Example of National Action Plan for Croatia

Abstract

The European Union (EU) is addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a global challenge. A new EU One Health action plan against AMR was issued in 2017 with the goal of preserving the effective treatment of infections in humans and animals, providing a framework for continued, more extensive action to reduce the emergence and spread of AMR, and increasing the development and availability of new effective antimicrobial agents inside and outside the EU. The plan proposes measures to help member states (MS) the proper implementation of antimicrobial stewardship practices to ensure optimal use of antimicrobials and puts forth proposals for new regulations on veterinary medicinal products and medicated feed currently undergoing the ordinary legislative procedure. As a MS, Croatia is putting significant efforts into training and awareness-raising to those who prescribe and use antimicrobials in human and veterinary medicine. The national action plan (NAP) contains: (1) surveillance of AMR of bacteria and reporting to appropriate EU agencies; (2) tracking antimicrobial use (AMU); (3) promotion of responsible use of antimicrobial agents – antimicrobial stewardship; (4) controlling the spread of resistant bacterial strains; (5) awareness-raising on the adverse effects of excessive AMU; and (6) support for the scientific activities through research in AMR by the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Sciences. An example of the monitoring of AMR in Salmonella , Campylobacter, and indicator Escherichia coli and Enterobacter in poultry, fattening pigs, and calves with regards to a set of antimicrobial agents proposed by the EFSA (European Food Safety Agency) is presented.