EU Insights – Perceptions on the human health impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antibiotics use in animals across the EU

Abstract

Tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animal farming and its impact on public health is a key priority for EFSA and other public health authorities in Europe. This study is a contribution to the joint effort by EFSA and EU member state authorities to address the issue. Focusing on the EU farming sector, it documents perceptions of the risks of AMR, associated behaviours, and the reasons and rationales behind them. Consumers, veterinarians and (pig and poultry) farmers in a sample of European countries were surveyed using a combination of methods (online survey, semi-structured interviews). The evidence gathered can inform communication strategies at national and EU level to increase awareness where these are designed to inform risk perception and change behaviours in relation to the use of antibiotics in animal farming and antibiotics' impact on human health.