An economic lens to understanding antimicrobial resistance: disruptive cases to livestock and wastewater management in Australia

Abstract

The discovery of antimicrobial agents for the treatment of infectious diseases was one of the most significant events of the 20th century. Notwithstanding their importance, acquired resistance has become increasingly evident and this pattern has followed the introduction of each new antimicrobial agent. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has not only led to unwarranted mortality rates, but it presents as a major economic burden to societies. The alarming worldwide escalation in AMR poses a serious threat to public health and can cause major disruption globally. Whilst there has been progress in understanding AMR in the scientific literature, there is a dearth of knowledge that considers AMR from an economic perspective, especially as it relates to resource-based sectors. This paper uses two case studies to illustrate how an economic lens can improve understanding of the potential risks surrounding AMR and to identify the net welfare associated with specific interventions. We demonstrate the importance of economics when considering the impacts of AMR in the context of livestock and wastewater use in Australia and when quantifying the potential disruption to the economy. We also illustrate how economics can both highlight the magnitude of the risks from AMR but offer a way forward through cost-effective policy options.

Behavior-change interventions to improve antimicrobial stewardship in human health, animal health, and livestock agriculture: A systematic review

“…In addition to the human health and economic burden, AMR among pathogens affecting animals has adverse animal welfare impacts; imposes additional treatment costs on animal owners thereby increasing food production costs; and may impact international food and animal trade [ 3 , 6 ]. Researchers estimate that AMR may cause a 7.5 percent decline in global livestock production by 2050 [ 7 ].…”

The socio-economic challenges of managing pathogen evolution in agriculture

“…However, while the current evolutionary literature helps guide efforts to manage difficult problems in disease management and resistance durability, there has been little effort to understand the parallel socio-economic dimension. By contrast, significant effort has been invested in understanding socio-economic issues associated with managing the evolution of resistance to antimicrobial compounds [25][26][27][28][29] with consequent development and deployment of resistance management plans (e.g. one health [30]).…”

Intramammary Ethno-Veterinary Formulation in Bovine Mastitis Treatment for Optimization of Antibiotic Use

“…Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been recognized as a global health problem affecting both human and veterinary medicine, being associated with increased morbidity, mortality and societal costs [ 1 , 2 ]. It is predicted that by 2050, AMR will contribute to 10 million deaths per year, causing $100 trillion economic loss [ 3 ], as well as around 11% loss in the production of livestock [ 4 , 5 ]. Antimicrobial misuse in therapy and prophylaxis plays a role in the development and spreading of AMR, especially as many of the antibiotics used in animals are the same, or are in the same class, as antibiotics used in humans [ 1 , 6 ].…”