Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Tasked with Research into Antibiotic Resistance

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has asked SLU (The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences) to lead the way in developing a manual on prudent use of antibiotics in animal husbandry and to conduct courses for animal health personnel in the Balkans, Central Asia and Eastern Europe.

Uppsala/Sweden — Overuse and misuse of antibiotics contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance, and the purpose of the mission is to help reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance in these regions. The Swedish model, with close cooperation between the agriculture sector, government and researchers, gives Sweden a prominent position among EU and OECD countries regarding low antibiotic use — only around 15 % of Sweden´s antibiotics are used in animal husbandry, compared to the global estimate, over 50 percent.

“Sweden has a very good reputation internationally in the area of animal health and low antibiotic use, which is why FAO turned to us”, says SLU Pro Vice-Chancellor for International Relations, Ylva Hillbur. “Another reason is that SLU also has a solid track-record and long experience in arranging courses and conducting other types of capacity development for students and professionals from low and middle income countries.”

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“That SLU got this important UN mission is a recognition of our skills as well as our long-term commitment for international cooperation”, comments Ylva Hillbur.

The assignment will be run by SLU´s global cooperation office, SLU Global, and will be headed by Professor Ulf Magnusson.