Training in Mongolia: Responsible AMU and Biosecurity Practices for Farmers

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat to animal and human health, food safety, and livelihoods. Strengthening animal husbandry and biosecurity practices is essential to reducing the need for antimicrobial use (AMU) and slowing the emergence of AMR.

In Mongolia, efforts to address AMR have been led by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry (MoFALI), with support from FAO, UNEP, WHO, and WOAH. Key achievements include the development of national multisectoral AMR action plans and the Antimicrobial Resistance Communication Strategy (AMR-CS), which aims to increase awareness and promote responsible antimicrobial use.

Training on responsible antimicrobial use and biosecurity practices for dairy farmers

To support ongoing AMR efforts, WOAH’s Regional Representation for Asia and the Pacific (RRAP), in collaboration with the General Authority for Veterinary Services (GAVS) and SUU Joint Stock Company (SUU JSC), organised a two-day training on responsible antimicrobial use and biosecurity practices for dairy farmers.

SUU JSC, Mongolia’s largest dairy processor, sources milk from herders and dairy farmers who are part of around 30 dairy cooperatives. The training brought together about 160 participants, including dairy farmers, cooperative managers, assistants, and other stakeholders.

The training supported WOAH’s AMR vision, “Acting Now, Investing Smart, Partner Together to Tackle AMR” (2026-2030)“, by promoting responsible antimicrobial use, disease prevention, on-farm biosecurity, and mastitis control. It also contributed to the implementation of Mongolia’s AMR Communication Strategy by encouraging positive behavioural change and strengthening awareness of AMR among dairy sector stakeholders.

Objectives

• Increase understanding of responsible and prudent antimicrobial use in dairy farming and its role in reducing AMR risks.
• Promote farm-level biosecurity, herd health management, and good dairy practices.
• Strengthen collaboration among farmers, veterinarians, the private sector, and government authorities.