DISARM is an active network dedicated to finding innovative solutions for antibiotic resistance. DISARM aims to reduce antibiotic resistance by reducing the need for antibiotics in livestock farming by focusing on disease prevention and prudent use of antibiotics. It is a collaboration between farmers, veterinarians, advisory services, academics and industry to disseminate innovative solutions for antibiotic resistance management in livestock production to alleviate the threat of antibiotic resistance.

The network exchanges innovative approaches between industries and countries to share best practice across the whole livestock sector. DISARM aims to reduce antibiotic resistance by reducing the need for antibiotics in livestock farming by focusing on disease prevention and prudent use of antibiotics. Antibiotics should be used as little as possible, but as much as necessary to effectively treat disease and not compromise animal welfare.

Effect: Animal welfare, Sustainable Farming, People’s health

Argumentation: Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria adapt in response to antibiotic use, when resistance spreads through populations of bacteria, Antibiotics become ineffective at treating disease in both humans and animals. This is a highly complex problem involving mechanisms which affect both human and animal health, so action must be taken by many different sectors, including the livestock industry.

Project description: DISARM