BANGKOK (NNT) – To address antibiotic resistant genes in bacterial flora, which can cause gastrointestinal tract diseases in humans and animals, the European Union (EU) has encouraged relevant agencies to conduct surveillance activities focusing on the occurrence of antibiotic resistance in the bacterial flora.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), together with the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, organized World Antibiotic Awareness Week this month, to raise awareness of antibiotic resistance, and launched the first antimicrobial resistance surveillance center in the region.
The Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Prof. Dr. Roongroje Thanawongnuwech, said today that the center will monitor the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance. The center will focus on farm animals and will provide guidelines and support for surveillance activities and related issues.
The Senior Animal Health and Production Officer at the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Katinka de Balogh, says antibiotic resistance is the ability of a microorganism to withstand the effects of an antibiotic. Misuse of antibiotics has contributed to a rise in bacterial resistance. Therefore, it is important that all operating procedures are conducted correctly. Emphasizing hygiene and control practices and improving sanitation can help prevent antibiotic resistance.
