Vaccines and antimicrobial resistance—a veterinary pharmaceutical industry perspective

Resistance to antimicrobials is a growing global concern for public and animal health. There is increasing pressure aimed at reducing the use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals in the European Union (EU) and elsewhere through implementation measures and incentives, with the objective to reduce the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria from food-producing animals and food. Accordingly, the use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals has significantly decreased in the EU and there have been considerable efforts in the identification and development of possible alternatives to antimicrobials, such as vaccines. It is now widely recognized and reported that vaccination may contribute to reducing antimicrobial use in food-producing animals and may indirectly reduce the risk of antimicrobial selection and/or development of AMR. Vaccines against bacterial infections and immunosuppressive viruses are especially relevant in this regard. The article briefly reviews the current status and trends relating to the development and availability of vaccines that may be of interest in reducing the use of antimicrobials. Possible opportunities are discussed, with a specific focus on regulatory requirements. Clearly, veterinary vaccines have a part to play and support for innovation in the area remains critically important. This article is part of the Royal Society Science+ meeting issue 'Vaccines and antimicrobial resistance: from science to policy'.