When antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs in zoonotic bacteria it can also compromise the effective treatment of infectious diseases in humans.

“Resistance to antimicrobials is an urgent public health threat, and evidence-based advice is critical to developing policy and legislation to meet this challenge," said Marta Hugas, EFSA’s Chief Scientist.

“This new mandate – which focuses on the possible implications for human health – illustrates once again the growing convergence between animal and human health and the need for a One Health approach by assessors and policymakers," he added.

As well as investigating the factors that can cause the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria through transport, EFSA will also review preventive measures and control options, and identify data needs to support further analysis of the issue. The final scientific opinion is expected to be finalised by September 2022.

The request emerged from discussions held over the past year between the European Parliament, the European Commission and EFSA.