Combating AMR in North Macedonia: the role of veterinary vaccines

Veterinary medicine is critical at the intersection of animal health, food safety, and public health. As a tightly regulated profession, veterinarians are tasked with the prevention and control of diseases in animals but also with safeguarding the quality of animal derived food products through sustainable and responsible practices. A key area of concern in recent years has been the global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), driven largely by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine. With the effectiveness of antibiotics waning, the world now faces the looming threat of a post antibiotic era, where common infections may once again become life threatening. Recognising this urgent threat, the international community has mobilised to reduce antimicrobial use (AMU), particularly in agrifood systems. The 79th United Nations General Assembly issued a declaration targeting a substantial reduction in AMU by 2030, with 47 countries further committing, through the Muscat Manifesto, to cut AMU by 30 50% within the same timeframe. Achieving these targets will be especially challenging in regions where demand for livestock products is increasing due to population growth and rising incomes. Therefore, innovative, preventive strategies are essential. One of the most promising and underutilised tools in this fight is vaccination. Veterinary vaccines are essential for preventing infectious diseases in animals, reducing the need for antibiotics, and ultimately limiting the emergence and spread of resistant microorganisms. By reducing infection rates, vaccines not only enhance animal health and welfare but also contribute significantly to food security and public health, particularly by preventing zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Despite their proven effectiveness, veterinary vaccines remain underused in many parts of the world. Limited market access, delayed availability, and a general lack of awareness about the broader benefits of vaccination continue to hinder progress. Public understanding and professional commitment must be strengthened to achieve wider vaccine coverage and greater impact. This presentation explores the critical role of veterinary vaccines in combating antimicrobial resistance, highlighting their preventive potential and long term economic and health benefits. It also delves into current trends within the European Union's veterinary vaccine market and presents an overview of the market landscape in the Republic of North Macedonia. As the world seeks sustainable solutions to AMR, vaccines offer a powerful, proactive path forward one that must be prioritised and expanded.