National Coalition for Food and Agricultural Research (NCFAR)
NCFAR’s Seminar Series regularly presents leading-edge researchers to address pressing issues confronting the public and Congress. NCFAR and the Seminar Series serve as a resource to policymakers and staff.
Combating Antimicrobial Resistance: The future health of humans, animals, and the environment
Dr. Paul Plummer, DVM PhD DACVIM(LAIM) DECSRHM
ABSTRACT
Bacteria are developing resistance faster than we are currently developing new antibiotics, leaving health professionals searching for alternative ways to fight off infections. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is shared between people, animals and the environment, and happens when bacteria develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. In the United States, 23,000 people die every year from AMR-related illnesses. This growing public health threat has prompted action on a number of fronts to identify better alternatives to antibiotics, use of antibiotics, and prevention methods. This work is more than any one governmental agency, university, commodity group, or industry partner can undertake, and taking a One Health approach to combating this global crisis is key.