12 November 2018
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is supporting this year's World Antibiotic Awareness Week theme of ‘Together
we can keep antibiotics working’.
Research shows that the global growth of antimicrobial resistance is undermining the effectiveness of antibiotics. Each
November, World Antibiotic Awareness Week aims to increase global awareness of antibiotic resistance and encourage best
practice to prevent its spread. This year, World Antibiotic Week runs from 12-18 November.
"Antibiotics are a precious resource. These medicines are essential for treating bacterial infections in humans and
animals. There are very few new types of antibiotics being developed, which is why it is important that those we have
are used wisely and ensure these life-saving medicines continue to stay effective. We need to make sure they are used
properly," says MPI's Director Assurance, Allan Kinsella.
“Last year, New Zealand began implementing a five-year Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan to minimise the impact of
antimicrobial resistance to human, animal and plant health. This is part of a global response. The Ministry of Health
and MPI are working with a wide range of groups and organisations to implement the plan.
"Like humans, animals sometimes need antibiotics to fight off bacterial infections. Without antibiotics, animal welfare
and health would be severely impacted. Inappropriate use of antibiotics can lead to resistant bacteria that cause
disease in both animals and plants, and potentially in humans via contact with infected animals or contaminated food.
“New Zealand has a robust regulatory framework for managing antibiotics and other veterinary medicines. MPI must be
satisfied that all antibiotics approved for use in animals are appropriate to the animal before it is registered as a
veterinary medicine. Antibiotics for therapeutic uses in animals are classed by MPI as restricted veterinary medicines
and need a veterinary prescription before use.
“We advise pet owners and farmers to follow the antibiotic dosage and treatment instructions exactly as prescribed by
your veterinarian. Always give the full course of antibiotics, even if the animal appears to have recovered.
“Everyone has a part to play in reducing antibiotic resistance. It is important we use antibiotics the right way, at the
right dose, at the right time, for the right duration. By using antibiotics carefully, bacteria are less likely to
become resistant to them,” says Mr Kinsella.
ENDS