Assessment of Mongolia’s Status on Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance in the Agrifood Sectors

The public health threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is viewed as a problem requiring multidisciplinary or One Health approaches to resolve.This study took different approaches to identify the issues that needed to be addressed before developing the National Action Plan (NAP) on AMR 2022-2025.First, we documented the regulations on AMR and antimicrobial use (AMU) that had been enacted by the Mongolian government.Secondly, the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of agrifood AMU/ AMR stakeholders were determined using surveys.Lastly, the laboratory capacity to test for drug and pesticide residues in food products was assessed.Briefly, the limited number of legislative actions on AMU/AMR identified in this study were poorly enforced.Moreover, herders, dairy farmers, and veterinary professionals administered antimicrobials with little awareness about the risks of AMR and antimicrobial residues in meat and milk products.AMR stakeholders in Mongolia could benefit from a multipronged approach to improve awareness, surveillance, and governance.