Pioneering the Battle Against AMR: UK’s New Surveillance Strategy Taps Veterinary Insight

The UK government is launching a pilot project under the National Biosurveillance Network (NBN) to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the veterinary sector. The initiative, involving the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, Animal and Plant Health Agency, and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, aims to integrate and share veterinary Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) data. The goal is to create a comprehensive view of AMR threats that could extend from animals to humans, underscoring the One Health approach. A new role has been created to ensure data flows between private entities and the government, empowering the UK to respond more swiftly to AMR threats. The project could set a precedent for tackling various biological threats, enhancing the collective ability to detect and respond to emerging threats before they escalate.