All sectors must come together to fight antimicrobial resistance, according to Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney.

The Minister was speaking at today's (Monday) conference organised by his Department on the issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Speaking at the event, Minister Coveney said: “Given the global nature of the antimicrobial resistance problem, the work being done in international bodies, such as WHO, FAO and OIE, is particularly critical."

Outlining the approach being adopted by his Department to foster responsible use of antimicrobials and to prevent and control diseases, Minister Coveney said: “All antibiotic medicines are subject to veterinary prescription control in Ireland. In addition, my Department operates an antimicrobial resistance surveillance programme. Clearly, the more we can do to help prevent and minimise animal diseases the less need there is to intervene and use treatments such as antibiotics.

The Minister said he was pleased to see an increasing emphasis amongst farmers and vets on disease prevention and herd health planning.