AMR testing lab starts functioning to collect data on affects of antibiotic on animal health.

PESHAWAR -- The recently established Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) testing lab set up by the Livestock and Dairy Development Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has started functioning to collect data on affects of antibiotics on animal health.

The AMR lab had been set up in Peshawar with the objective of implementing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Surveillance Plan in Animal Health Sector, informed Dr Syed Asad Ali Shah, Epidemiologist and AMR Focal Person for Animal Health Livestock and Diary Development Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

'Disease Investigation Laboratory (DIL) Peshawar is designated and notified as the Provincial Laboratory on AMR in the Animal Health Sector,' Dr Asad told reporter.

The lab was established with the support of Fleming Fund Country Grand Pakistan, a UK-based aid programme supporting up to 24 countries across Africa and Asia to tackle antimicrobial resistance, he added.

The laboratory is currently working on generation of data about the use of antibiotic and its resistance in animals and poultry.

The livestock department currently has no data about the use of antibiotic in animal and about its impact on animal health and human being through utilization of meat.

After collection of sufficient data, future policy would be chalked out to contain use of antibiotics and for suggestion of alternatives because some of antibiotics have become essential in protection of animals and birds species especially poultry.

There was dire need of creating mass awareness among people about the effects of antibiotics on health of human and animals, he stressed.

The AMR lab has three veterinary doctors, three professional technicians and supporting staff, Azad apprised reporter.

He said the capacity and competency of DIL Peshawar would be enhanced accordingly to serve as a lead lab for the province for AMR sampling, testing, training, quality control, interpretation and data reporting for animal health sector.

The lab will also develop close linkages with National Veterinary Laboratories Islamabad and National Reference Laboratory for Poultry Disease Islamabad, Asad continued.

Livestock and Dairy Development Department had recently completed a baseline survey for collection of updated information regarding livestock population and livestock related enterprises in the province. This livestock survey would also be used as a relevant source for the...

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