Restrictions on antimicrobial use in aquaculture and livestock, Viet Nam

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers antimicrobial resistance one of the top 10 global health emergencies affecting humanity;1 antimicrobial use in animal production is one of its key drivers. Globally, animal production accounts for about three quarters of total antimicrobial use.2 In Viet Nam, approximately 2751 tonnes of antimicrobials are used in animal production annually,3 with pig and poultry production using the highest amounts.4 Levels of antimicrobial resistance in foodborne zoonotic pathogens (that is, non-typhoidal Salmonella) and antimicrobial residues in food products are also high in the country.5In Viet Nam, exact data on quantities of antimicrobial consumption in animal production are unavailable, and information is limited to point surveys in defined geographical areas.6 Previous research suggested that prophylactic antimicrobial use practices were and are still widespread in chicken and pork production.7'8 For several decades, all veterinary medicine products had to be registered with the animal health department. Over 5000 antimicrobialcontaining products are currently authorized in the country. A newly authorized product remains so for a five-year period. In Viet Nam, antimicrobials intended for animal production have a dedicated supply chain. Farmers have been able to purchase veterinary products over the counter in one of the 15 000 licensed veterinary drug shops. Virtually no antimicrobial-containing products for human use exist in food animal production, partly due to veterinary antimicrobials being extremely affordable.9Under the umbrella of the tripartite framework of the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Organisation for Animal Health and WHO, Viet Nam has developed a policy framework aimed at improving antimicrobial stewardship in livestock production and aquaculture, framed under national action plans (2017-2020 and 2021-2025).1tU1 Recent legislation includes restrictions on antimicrobial use, and a roadmap for banning certain types of such use, in line with WHO recommendations. Here we provide a summary of the timelines for these restrictions alongside recommendations to support implementation of these regulations in Viet Nam, in addition to recommendations on specific activities to strengthen their implementation.