Quantification,Benchmarking and Stewardship of Vet.Antimicrobial usage

The background of the AACTING-project was the general recognition that antimicrobial usage (AMU) is the main driver for the selection and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and, therefore, that AMU has to be reduced. But to allow for an approach targeted on the highest or most problematic users and to be able to evaluate the effect of AMU reduction measures and responsible use campaigns, availability of adequate AMU data is important. So, many countries have set up or are starting to set up systems for monitoring AMU data at farm level in all or selected food producing animal species. In countries where such systems have been established, the collected data proof to be powerful tools for antibiotic stewardship, e.g., stimulating a reduced and more responsible AMU through communication of benchmarking results of farmers' and veterinarians' AMU.

Yet, AACTING recognised that due to a lack of standardization among the monitoring systems, in terms of collection procedures, analysing methodology (e.g., units of measurement and indicators) and benchmarking strategies (e.g., Different benchmark criteria for acceptable or problematic use), the produced outcomes are typically not comparable. Furthermore, countries or organizations setting up a monitoring system will experience similar challenges to deal with and similar choices to make.

The main aim of the AACTING-project therefore was to develop guidelines with practical advises on setting up systems for collection of AMU data at farm level that are applicable to guide antimicrobial stewardship. In addition, a review of existing systems for the collecting and reporting of farm-level AMU data is being established based on an analysis of strengths and weaknesses of the different systems. A third aim was to build this AACTING-website, where the guidelines and information on currently existing systems is made publicly available. A final aim of the AACTING-project was to organise an International Conference on these topics, to disseminate project outcomes and discuss further developments and challenges.