Ethical Considerations in the Development of Animal-Exclusive Antimicrobials: Perspectives from New Zealand Stakeholders in the food production animal sector
Nic Liebergreen Bioethics Centre, University of Otago Dunedin 1Bioethics Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
Abstract
Authors: Nicola Liebergreen, Mike King
Bioethics Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
The global health community, spearheaded by the World Health Organisation, recognises antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the paramount health threats of this century, necessitating immediate interventions to avert a significant healthcare crisis within the next 50 years. Given that animals consume antimicrobials and share many of these classes with humans, the question of ethical and effective usage across species becomes crucial to the AMR discourse. Consequently, the exploration of innovative therapeutics dedicated solely to animal use emerges as a potential solution.
This study delves into the ethical dimensions entwined with the proposition of such novel, animal-specific therapeutics aimed at decoupling animal and human resistance. The researcher conducted qualitative interviews and focus groups with New Zealand stakeholders involved in animal food production. A semi-structured interview schedule was employed with a view to gauging their perspectives on the moral and practical implications associated with the development of these new treatments. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis (2019) in the software platform NVivo 12.
The findings suggest that the stakeholders uphold the belief in an animal’s right to health, presenting a moral justification for the development of animal-specific antimicrobials. However, they express several conditionalities that must be considered, which will be elaborated upon in the presentation. This study thereby unravels the multifaceted ethical considerations surrounding the AMR challenge, illuminating potential paths forward in safeguarding both human and animal health.
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