Sleep with your pet toegather? Here's what you need to be aware of regarding antibiotic-resistant germs.
Singapore Pets: Antimicrobial Resistance Dilemma
In Singapore, three out of four pet owners remain clueless about the spreading of antibiotic-resistant bacteria between humans and their beloved pets. This alarming revelation comes from a recent study, conducted by Tan Tock Seng Hospital, the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health at the National University of Singapore, and the Singapore Veterinary Association.
The study, which involved surveying 1,080 pet owners from 16 vet clinics across the city-state between March and December 2023, tosses light on the escalating danger of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
What's this Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?
AMR happens when bacteria evolve to surmount standard antibiotics. The natural process gets expedited when drugs are over-administered or improperly used. Experts estimate that, if left unchecked, AMR could result in over 10 million deaths yearly by 2050 - surpassing even cancer.
Professor Angela Chow, senior consultant from Tan Tock Seng Hospital who led the research, explains the cause of the increasing importance of AMR as follows: "The misuse of antibiotics pressures the bacteria to evolve, but new classes of antibiotics - it's not that fast. It takes years to discover, so we haven't had many in recent times."
With antibiotics losing their efficacy against AMR, infections can become challenging to treat, raising the risk of severe diseases, disabilities, and deaths. According to the World Health Organisation, such instances are more likely to occur when AMR strains are transmitted.
Tackling AMR – One Health Framework
Singapore combats AMR through the One Health framework, considering links between human, animal, and environmental health. Prof Chow confirms that the same antibiotic-resistant pathogens found in sick pets are also prevalent in humans. Transmission can happen when owners get licked by their pets or handle their feces.
Common antibiotic-resistant bacteria include fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli, or E. coli, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.
Antibiotic Misuse in Pets
As wealth increases in Singapore, pet ownership follows suit. In 2023, there were approximately 114,000 pet dogs and 94,000 pet cats, representing a 3% and 10% surge in numbers from 2019, respectively. With more pets and closer relationships forming between owners and their furry friends, domestic animals are likely to become sources for the transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens.
Researchers from the study found that 24% of respondents used antibiotics inappropriately for their treatment, whereas 34% did the same for their pets. Difficulties in administering medication to pets pose a considerable challenge. Dr Teo Boon Han, Singapore Veterinary Association president, explains: "Compliance is a big issue in the veterinary space - giving pills to pets can be stressful, and safety concerns are raised."
Chantelle Lee, a 24-year-old dog owner, cleverly hides her pet's medication in treats to avoid rejection. Her experience highlights the challenges pet owners face in ensuring their pets receive appropriate care, especially when faced with financial constraints and other obstacles such as veterinary costs, travel expenses, and taking time off work.
Addressing AMR through Education and Awareness
The study results indicate the need for increased education, not only for pet owners but also for veterinarians themselves. As Dr Teo emphasizes, "Veterinarians play a crucial role as advocates for animal health and welfare. It's essential they exercise clinical judgment while doling out antibiotics."
In order to mitigate the risk of AMR, Singapore's pet owners should understand how to use antibiotics correctly when they are prescribed by vets. Open and honest communication with trusted vets is encouraged. A more comprehensive One Health approach in public health messaging and education can also help to tackle the issue of AMR by addressing the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health.
In Singapore, people are becoming remarkably close to their pet companions, sometimes even sharing beds. And with more ownership comes closer contact, which increases the likelihood of zoonotic transmission of resistant bacterial pathogens.
If you own a furry friend, it is crucial to educate yourself on proper antibiotic usage to protect both your pet's and your own health. Remember, antibiotics are precious resources that lose their effectiveness when overused or misused.
Science and health-and-wellness are interconnected in Singapore's strategy to tackle the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) issue. The study conducted by Tan Tock Seng Hospital, the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, and the Singapore Veterinary Association revealed that both pet owners and veterinarians misuse antibiotics, contributing to the escalating danger of AMR. Understanding proper antibiotic usage is vital for protecting both pets' and humans' health, serving as an essential aspect of both science and health-and-wellness.
