The Australian Healthcare and Hospital Association (AHHA) recently communicated the following item on Antibiotic Resistance.
"A study published in the journal PLOS ONE revealed that the widespread and excessive use of antibiotics, along with unregulated access to critical drugs and poor disposal practices in laboratory rodent facilities, may be contributing to the global issue of antimicrobial resistance.
The survey, which covered 95 laboratories in Australia and New Zealand, found that 71% routinely used antimicrobial drugs, including antibiotics. Common practices involved adding antibiotics to rodents' drinking water and improperly disposing of medicated water and food.
Dr. Rebbecca Wilcox, the lead author, stated that if animals contracted a bacterial infection that could not be treated, it would be "catastrophic" for animal welfare. Additionally, the potential exposure to resistant bacteria posed a health and safety risk for both the staff working with the animals and nearby hospitals.
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Source: AHHA Healthcare in Brief 30 August 2024
