By Trish Svoboda

The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) has published The White Paper summarizing the 13th Annual Antibiotics Symposium – Thriving in a Changing Landscape. The paper discusses the use of antibiotics in food animals, the implications for public and environmental health, and the future of antibiotic stewardship. While the stewardship of antibiotics in human and livestock medicine remains crucial, the symposium also highlighted other areas of focus. One such area is the close relationship between humans and their pets, which could potentially facilitate the transfer of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These strong bonds often lead to medical treatments for pets that are similar to those in human medicine, including the use of potent antibiotics.

The symposium discussed a variety of topics including an industry report on the current state of antibiotic stewardship from producer to processor to grocer, the latest research on antimicrobial stewardship and resistance, the multi-dimensional aspects of antibiotic stewardship and AMR, regulatory updates, and One Health collaborations. In line with the NIAA’s mission, the symposium brought together experts in animal agriculture to foster interdisciplinary cooperation for the advancement of the field. The closing keynote was delivered by Dr. Karen Smith, who emphasized that the most effective policies are built through collaboration with those most affected by them.