Wales Plans New Animal AMR Control Plan 2025-2029

In Wales, significant strides have been made in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) over the past five years, culminating in the release of a new Animal AMR Control Plan for 2025-2029. This plan, aligned with the UK National Action Plan, aims to enhance collaboration between veterinarians and animal keepers, emphasizing a One Health approach. Concurrently, a study indicates that microplastics may exacerbate antibiotic resistance by fostering bacterial resilience in environments with poor sanitation, raising concerns particularly in low-income communities. Global mortality due to antimicrobial-resistant infections stands alarmingly high at approximately 4.95 million annually. Additionally, research from the National University of Singapore is exploring how certain bacteria construct protective capsules, which may yield insights for innovative vaccine development against antibiotic-resistant diseases. The rising issue of antibiotic misuse in both human and veterinary medicine highlights the urgent need for effective management strategies to prevent the development of resistant strains.