A new code of good practice regarding the responsible use of antimicrobials in sheep was launched on Friday by Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister for State in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The Minister said: “This code of good practice will serve as a useful tool for sheep farmers as they work to address the ‘One Health’ challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).”

Actions taken to improve animal health and prevent disease are key to reducing the use of antibiotics and effectively tackling AMR.

"The practical strategies outlined in this document highlight some of the important actions that sheep farmers can take to reduce their overall use of antibiotics and to improve their flock health.”

Strategies

Strategies to reduce the use of antibiotics in both human and animal health sectors are seen as a key intervention in safeguarding the future use of antibiotics.

“The launch coincides with Teagasc’s week-long event which has focused on communicating the latest research findings relevant to sheep farmers,” said Minister Hackett.

In her address, Minister Hackett acknowledged the ongoing support and collaboration with industry stakeholders and highlighted members of the iNAP animal health sector committee which is chaired by the chief veterinary officer Dr Martin Blake in producing this code.

“The ambitious AMR implementation plan currently in place for the animal health and environmental sector can only be achieved by various stakeholders taking on leadership roles and working in partnership.”

What does ‘One Health’ mean?

A Department spokesperson explains the One Health as follows: “The One Health concept is a worldwide strategy for expanding interdisciplinary collaborations and communications in all aspects of health care for humans, animals and the environment.

"Recognising that human health, animal health and ecosystem health are inextricably linked, ‘One Health’ seeks to promote, improve and defend the health and well-being of all species by enhancing co-operation and collaboration between physicians, veterinarians, other scientific health and environmental professionals and by promoting strengths in leadership and management to achieve these goals.

"There is international consensus through the ‘One Health’ initiative to which the World Health Organisation (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) are signatories, that tackling the global public health threat of AMR requires action across human and animal health sectors, agriculture and the wider environment."