Batey, R, Nilon, P., Page, S.W., Browning, G.F., and Norris, J.M. (2024) Antimicrobial prescribing guidelines for sheep. Australian Veterinary Journal, 102 (4). pp. 103-142.

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Abstract

[Extract] Nationally and globally, there is close examination of animal produc-tion practices that might contribute to the transfer of antimicrobialresistance (AMR) to human pathogens, and the effects that interven-tions to reduce antimicrobial use in food-producing animals mighthave on the level of antimicrobial resistant organisms in humansand animals. 1 Most of the AMR problems in human medicine arenot related to AMR in animals, and the World Health Organisation(WHO),2 having commissioned two meta-analyses of available pub-lished literature,1,3 concluded that the quality of evidence supportingrecommendations on reducing antimicrobial use (AMU) in animalsto mitigate AMR in human pathogens is low to very low.

Nevertheless, it is clear that antimicrobials should only be used whennecessary. Using antimicrobials in sheep production systems increasesthe likelihood of resistance developing in ovine pathogens or com-mensals, with an associated potential for transfer to human pathogensor to pathogens in other animal species. Sheep production practicesintersect with human health and the emergence of resistance from theuse of antimicrobials in sheep production may also result in environ-mental contamination, particularly when treatment is implemented atflock level, especially when confinement feeding is practiced or whensheep are aggregated in saleyards or prior to live-export.

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