Animal health key to addressing bacterial resistance
MEDIA RELEASE
Published on 18 November 2025.
Animal owners can help protect life-saving antibiotics from resistant bacteria by keeping their animals healthy, says the New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) as part of World AMR Awareness Week this week [18-24 November 2025].
The week is a part of global action plan to tackle the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), where pathogens such as bacteria become resistant to critical antimicrobial medicines like antibiotics.
Dr Annabel Harris, Chair of the NZVA Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Committee says judicial use of antibiotics is a priority for the animal health sector.
“Bacterial infections that are resistant to antibiotics can affect our pets and our livestock, and transfer between animals and humans and into the environment. We need to manage AMR as a One Health issue – that is that humans, animals and the environment are all connected. And we all have a role to play.
“Part of that is preventing the need to use antibiotics by keeping our pets healthy through good nutrition, good hygiene, regular health checks and vaccinations. And when antibiotics are prescribed by a veterinarian it is essential to give them to your pet as directed."
Dr Harris says New Zealand is already a low user of antibiotics globally and is making good progress reducing its use. Since 2017, antibiotic sales figures for plants and animals have dropped by nearly 50% thanks to a concerted effort by veterinarians, farmers, industry and New Zealand Food Safety.
“We should be proud of that. However, AMR is not going away. Bacteria that become resistant to antibiotics not only go on to reproduce survivors but can buddy up with other bacteria to share that resistant genetic material.
“So, we have to be judicious in how we use antibiotics and focus on the overall health of our animals to ensure these life-saving medicines continue to work as intended.”
Dr Harris says for farmers, managing AMR requires a more holistic approach where antimicrobials like antibiotics are just one part of an integrated disease control programme.
“It’s about careful attention to a range of farm practices, including biosecurity measures, vaccinations, hygiene, disinfection procedures, good animal nutrition, appropriate housing, close herd/flock monitoring and staff/management training.
“This can feel overwhelming for farmers. Have a chat to your vet. They are trained scientists who stay abreast of new research and are well-positioned to help you work out what is a good plan for you and your operation.”
The NZVA has produced guidelines for its members on use of antibiotics for different species along with a traffic light system to guide farmers and veterinarians on use of routine antibiotics versus critically important ones that are also used for humans and should be saved for more serious infections.
“Ultimately, prevention is better than cure. So, let’s work together to protect antibiotics by protecting our animals.
“There's no time to waste. The actions we take now will impact future generations.”
ENDS
For media enquiries contact media@vets.org.nz
