Background The issue of antimicrobial
resistance has received increasing attention recently from the scientific
and political communities. Resistance to antimicrobial products is known to
occur in both human and veterinary medicines. To address this the Government
has established several working groups to look at different aspects of this
issue. The Defra Antimicrobial
Resistance Coordination (DARC) Group was established in 1999 to take
forward, within Defra, recommendations made by the House of Lords Select
Committee on antimicrobial resistance. The DARC Group works alongside other
Government Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) related groups (see below). Their
remits are in some cases complementary, and in others have some overlap but
close liaison avoids duplication of effort. Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food
(ACMSF) Working Group, Advisory Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance and
Health Care Associated Infec tions (ARHAI). DARC Group Terms of Reference
and Remit ‘To co-ordinate, advise and
review Defra activities on antimicrobial usage in animals and antimicrobial
resistance (AMR) in micro-organisms from feedingstuffs, animals and food’.
The Group’s remit includes:
Reviewing the Defra action plan
and strategy on surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in animals.
This was carried out during
2007 and a revision to the Strategy was published in August 2008.
Subsequently the strategy will be updated periodically as the need arises. Reviewing surveillance studies
on antimicrobial usage and microbial resistance. As of the Autumn 2006 meeting,
this will be carried out annually. Promoting prudent and optimal
use of antimicrobials in animals by: Supporting healthy food from healthy animals Encouraging responsible and prudent use of minimum
amounts of appropriate antimicrobials Monitoring the development of AMR in animals Providing information and advice to assist in the
development of antimicrobial resistance policy in animals Identifying the possible impact on human treatments as
applications for new antimicrobial products for animal use are being
assessed Report the group’s acti Consider new approaches to
alternatives to antimicrobials as they arise. Public awareness will continue
to be promoted on the Defra and VMD web pages. Research and development.
The Group will advise Defra on
research ideas as they arise. Government funded research into antimicrobial
resistance will be reviewed annually at the Spring meeting. Raising public awareness of the
issue. Information is published on the
Defra and VMD websites. For Further Information About
the Group. Dr Kay Goodyear on 01932 338409
or
vities
to ARHAI.
Last updated
06/08/09
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