A recent study has highlighted concerning practices in animal research facilities that may worsen the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance. Published in the journal *Plos One*, the research indicates that antibiotic use in laboratory rodent facilities in Australia and New Zealand is both widespread and excessive. The survey, which included 95 laboratories, found that 71% routinely used antimicrobial drugs, including antibiotics. Common practices involved adding antibiotics to rodent drinking water and improperly disposing of medicated water and food.
Dr. Rebbecca Wilcox, the lead author and a laboratory animal veterinarian at RMIT, pointed out the lack of regulation surrounding antibiotic access in these facilities. Unlike medical professionals, who are subject to strict guidelines when prescribing antibiotics, animal laboratories can acquire these drugs from veterinary wholesalers and chemical suppliers without oversight. Of particular concern is the use of “drugs of last resort” in situations where alternatives could be used, potentially contributing to the rise of drug-resistant superbugs, which pose a significant risk to human health.
The World Health Organization has identified antimicrobial resistance as one of the foremost threats to global public health, with Dr. Wilcox warning that antibiotic resistance could lead to a “coming pandemic,” making routine medical procedures like hip replacements, caesareans, and cancer treatments life-threatening. The study also uncovered alarming disposal practices, with 81% of facilities admitting to discarding rodents’ medicated drinking water down the drain without treatment. This is particularly troubling given that wastewater from hospitals is known to contribute to environmental antibiotic resistance.
Experts not involved in the study, such as Dr. Sanjaya Senanayake from ANU, have underscored the severity of the issue, estimating that deaths from antimicrobial resistance could reach 10 million annually by 2050, exceeding cancer-related deaths. Although the volume of antibiotics used and discarded in rodent laboratories is smaller than that in hospitals or pharmaceutical companies, the study illustrates a microcosm of the broader problem, showing that antibiotics are not being used appropriately even in controlled settings.
These findings serve as a critical alert to the research community, animal ethics committees, and policymakers, emphasizing the urgent need for better practices and heightened awareness to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. As the first empirical evidence on practices within laboratory rodent facilities globally, this research lays the groundwork for developing recommendations for responsible antibiotic use in animal research. The implications of this study extend beyond laboratories, highlighting the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in the battle against antibiotic resistance.
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