Specialized fields

The number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria around the world is growing along with the concern that diseases caused by bacteria will become difficult to treat or that we will no longer be able to treat them at all. We have to know more about this subject and there needs to be reliable information available so that patients, doctors and pharmacists can fulfil their responsibility when dealing with antibiotics.

The health of people, animals and the environment are closely interconnected and these have a mutual effect on each other (the “One Health” concept). Preventing antibiotic resistance and diseases in animals is guided by the principle of creating the right conditions so animals stay healthy and fewer antibiotics are needed. Good hygiene for animals, improved housing conditions and intensive herd management can all contribute to this.

Healthy animals are strong and do not need medicine, meaning no antibiotic resistance will develop. Farmers and vets are therefore required to use preventative measures to promote health in animals. As part of this, factors such as genetics, housing, feed and hygiene need to be considered. This means actors involved in livestock production and agriculture can fulfil their responsibility and help to preserve effective antibiotics within the meaning of the One Health principle.

According to the Swiss Antibiotic Resistance Strategy (StAR), an integrated approach to the One Health principle regarding people, animals and the environment is necessary for preserving effective antibiotics. For example, antibiotics and other microscopic impurities in the water should be significantly reduced by improving waste water treatment plants. Research also plays an important role by filling the gaps in our knowledge about antibiotic resistance.