Antimicrobial Resistance: New CSE report focuses on major ethnoveterinary medicine programme

Subject: Science and Technology

Context:

In the news-

Delhi-based think-tank, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), will release a special report titled Ethnoveterinary medicine: An alternative to antibiotics for the dairy sector to mark World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW).

World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW)-

Celebrated globally every year from November 18-24 to create awareness and understanding of the issue.
This year, the theme is “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together”.
Emphasised the prevention of AMR through a ‘One Health” approach.

The increasing threat of AMR-

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been recognised as a ‘silent pandemic’ and is a global public health threat today.
Due to AMR, antibiotics are becoming ineffective and infectious diseases are becoming difficult to treat.
Some 4.95 million deaths were associated with, and 1.95 million deaths directly attributable to bacterial AMR across the world in 2019.
AMR is also likely to heavily impact livelihood and economies.

AMR and One Health Approach-

The ‘One Health’ approach is the best way to address AMR since resistance against antimicrobials is operated among human, animal and environmental sectors.
It accelerates due to the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in human health, animal health, food-animal production, aquaculture and crop production.
Waste from farms, factories, community and healthcare settings contributes to the emergence and spread of AMR through environmental routes.
Lack of authentic information on AMR and antimicrobial use (AMU) in the veterinary sector is a major limitation.

Prevention measures-

Adoption of strategies and approaches that can reduce the need for antimicrobials
Better sanitation
Access to clean water and appropriate hand hygiene
Better biosecurity
Timely vaccinations
Use of alternatives and appropriate waste management
Preventing pollution and overuse of chemicals

What is Ethnoveterinary medicine-

Ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM) involves the use of traditional/herbal preparations in treating diseases of cattle.

Advantage of Ethnoveterinary medicine-

Reduces Antibiotics use
Traditional practice of herbal medicines for poultry health management can diminish the cost of production thereby giving more benefit to the farmers.
Farmers’ self-dependence.
Preserve herbs.
User-friendly, Eco friendly.
Provide some intervention for viral diseases.
Cosr- effective