Resisting resistance: How animal health can prevent a global crisis

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a crisis causing food security, ecosystems, and public health threats. Despite being labeled the “silent pandemic,” AMR claims over 1.27 million lives annually and indirectly contributes to up to 5 million deaths. Countries like Denmark and Brazil demonstrate that addressing AMR in animal health through regulation, innovation, and collaboration is possible and critical. Resistant bacteria from animals spread through food, water, and the environment, threatening both animal and human health. Safeguarding animal health through smarter antibiotic use and preventative measures is not just an agricultural priority but also a cornerstone of protecting public health and ensuring resilient ecosystems.