The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) hosted a three-day regional training workshop on the ANIMUSE Global Database in Belgrade, Serbia, from 7th to 10th November 2023, focusing on the Europe and Central Asia region. This initiative followed the recent migration of WOAH’s data collection to the online ANIMUSE platform, launched during the 8th round of AMU data collection in September 2022.
The primary objective of the workshop was to strengthen capacities for monitoring antimicrobial use (AMU) in animals at the national level and reporting at a global level. To attain that objective, participants were introduced to the functionalities of ANIMUSE Global Database, equipping participants, mainly WOAH Focal Points for Veterinary Products, with practical training on the system and fostering discussions on the results of the 7th Annual Reports on Antimicrobial Agents. Notably, the workshop focused on fostering collaboration among the participants of the region involved in AMU surveillance, emphasizing the importance of reliable data as the cornerstone for effective risk management decisions. The workshop further aimed to empower Focal Points for Veterinary Products, in supporting their efforts to implement the WOAH Strategy on Antimicrobial Resistance and Prudent Use of Antimicrobials.
Dr Budimir Plavsic, representing the World Organization for Animal Health, inaugurated the Regional Seminar for AMINUSE in Belgrade, Serbia, expressing gratitude to the European Union for crucial financial support and acknowledging Serbia’s exceptional hospitality. The seminar focuses on combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and aims to achieve key goals, including introducing the ANIMUSE platform, discussing annual reports on antimicrobial agents, empowering veterinary focal points, fostering collaboration within the One Health approach, and emphasizing the importance of reliable data for informed decision-making. One Health partnersated to addressing AMR globally in cooperation with Members and One Health partners, established the ANIMUSE database to collect global data on antimicrobial use in animal populations. The new platform, introduced during the seminar, facilitates reporting, access, analysis, and communication of antimicrobial data. The latest WOAH Annual Report highlights a 13% decline in global antimicrobial use from 2017 to 2019 and significant participation from Member countries. The seminar, featuring interactive sessions and exercises, promises valuable insights facilitated by WOAH’s experts and national professionals, contributing to the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
Dr Milos Petrovic, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Serbia and National Delegate to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) expressed his honour in opening the Regional Workshop on ANIMUSE, the Global Database on Animal Antimicrobial Use. He acknowledged the pivotal role of WOAH in combating antimicrobial resistance globally and thanked Drs Monique Eloit, Director General, and Budimir Plavsic, Regional Representative, for their efforts to organize this regional seminar and the EU for its funding. Dr Petrovic highlighted the importance of WOAH’s data collection efforts and emphasized the need for future advancements, including farm-level data incorporation. He outlined Serbia’s commitment to AMR strategies and the development of information systems for antibiotic prescription and distribution. Dr Petrovic expressed optimism for collaboration and progress in addressing the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
Participants appreciated the benefits and recognised the value of ANIMUSE, which offers seamless data entry, analysis, and visualisation features. These features enhance reliable antimicrobial usage (AMU) data collection and reporting, foster data ownership, and provide valuable insights for effective decision-making.
Representatives of 46 countries out of 53 in the region were trained to work with the ANIMUSE platform. They also discussed the regional needs for AMU/AMR roadmap for further building up of the regional network.
WOAH is committed to providing suitable support and building the capacity of its Members with this ANIMUSE training marking the conclusion of the global training initiative of introduction to the system initiated in 2022.
| Agenda | |
| Importance of monitoring quantities | Delfy Gochez WOAH HQ |
| History of AMU data collection | Morgan Jeannin WOAH HQ |
| Introducing ANIMUSE | Mduduzi Magongo WOAH HQ |
| 7th Annual Report | Marina Sokolova WOAH RR for Europe |
| Exploring ANIMUSE | Mduduzi Magongo WOAH HQ |
| AMU questionnaire | Morgan Jeannin WOAH HQ |
| Country experience: VetStat Denmark | Laura Mie Jensen Danish Veterinary and Food Administration |
| AMU field level | Dante Mateo WOAH HQ |
| Aquaculture | Dante Mateo WOAH HQ |
| Animal Biomass | Morgan Jeannin WOAH HQ |
| Country experience: Switzerland IS ABV | Anais Léger Switzerland Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office |
| Country experience: BIH | Slobodanka Božić Veterinary Office of BiH |
| EMA ASU | Anastasia Pickford Veterinary Medicines Division, EMA |
| AMR «One Health» Legislative Tool | Kelsey Galantich Consultant, WOAH HQ |
| AMR Communication Campaign | Lucía Escati WOAH HQ |
