Representatives from organizations contributing to the action plan were invited to the meeting to share updates on developments in their respective fields, along with representatives from stakeholder groups.
The program was engaging and provided various perspectives on antibiotic use, sales, and microbial resistance.
The speakers at the event included Ernesto Liebana (European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)), Hendrik Kuusk (Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture), Ingrid Sumeri and Anne-Ly Veetamm (Agriculture and Food Board), Marju Sammul (Agency of Medicines), Piret Kalmus (Estonian University of Life Sciences), Matis Pääslane (Estonian Veterinary Association), Margus Kuklane (representing veterinary drug wholesalers), Meeli Lindsaar (Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce), Maia-Triin Kanarbik (Ministry of Social Affairs), and Tanel Tenson (University of Tartu).
Additionally, there was an engaging panel discussion titled "The Future of Antibiotic Use: Total Control or Trust?" In the accompanying photo, the participants in the discussion include Anne-Ly Veetamm, Margus Kuklane, Hendrik Kuusk, Piret Kalmus, Marju Sammul, and Matis Pääslane.
The discussion highlighted that the veterinary community is, for the most part, responsible in its use of antibiotics, both in preparation and mindset. However, as in any community, there remains a small proportion with problematic or careless attitudes, which can only be identified through monitoring. Improved access to data on antibiotic usage now provides greater opportunities for regulating their use effectively.
A key question remains: how can a 50% reduction in antibiotic use in veterinary medicine be achieved, considering the baseline was set in 2018—a year when significant progress had already been made in reducing usage?
Another pressing issue is where to draw the line between refraining from antibiotic use and making justified choices in selecting antibiotics. It was noted that the rate of laboratory testing remains low in cases requiring prior sensitivity testing for certain antibiotic categories.
More information:
Age Kärssin
Leading Specialist of Risk Assessment Department
tel 5648 9526
email [email protected]
