During World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (November 18–24), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its USDA Strategy to Address Antimicrobial Resistance 2023. The Strategy identifies priority areas in the agrifood sector that will contribute to increasing understanding of and efforts to mitigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) risk.

The Strategy is organized around three areas of focus and ten priorities for collaborative action by USDA and its partners:

Area of Focus 1: Reduce Disease and Pathogen Transmission

• Priority 1: Improve animal and crop health
• Priority 2: Promote biosecurity
• Priority 3: Promote food safety.

Area of Focus 2: Improve the Scientific Knowledge Base on AMR Risk

• Priority 4: Continuously improve data infrastructure using a One Health approach
• Priority 5: Support science and research across sectors to inform risk analysis
• Priority 6: Improve understanding of drivers of antimicrobial use
• Priority 7: Enhance feedback loops between (1) monitoring and surveillance, (2) research, and (3) education and outreach.

Area of Focus 3: Improve Communication and Collaboration Within USDA and With National, Regional, and Global Partners to Address AMR Risk

• Priority 8: Enhance partnerships through building trust
• Priority 9: Improve knowledge dissemination and include contextual information
• Priority 10: Develop and deliver science-based solutions locally and globally.

USDA’s updated AMR webpage contains the full strategy for more information on the agency’s AMR efforts.