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Antimicrobial resistance and Scotland's environment

We are working to understand and reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through the environment as part of Scotland’s One Health response and the UK action plan.  

What is the impact of AMR?

AMR occurs when microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, become resistant to medicines designed to treat them. AMR is one of the world's most significant global health and development threats.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that antimicrobial resistance is increasing globally and is one of the most significant threats to human, animal and environmental health. The WHO fact sheet states that AMR was associated with an estimated 4.71 million deaths globally in 2021.

AMR also:

• increases healthcare costs

• threatens food security

• undermines economic productivity

What is SEPA's role in addressing antimicrobial resistance?

The environment plays a key role in the development, transmission, and spread of AMR. Our response is based on a prevention-led One Health approach that recognises that humans, animals, plants, and environment are dependent on one another.

Our focus is on:

• supporting the Scottish and UK Governments’ AMR policy and governance

• research to identify, prioritise and address sources and pathways of AMR transmission, including those causing pharmaceutical pollution

• environmental surveillance

• regulating activities that may contribute to antimicrobial resistance

Working in partnership

We work with Scottish and UK partners to raise public awareness of AMR. You can learn more by exploring related strategies and publications, including:

• The UK Government's 5-year action plan for antimicrobial resistance 2024 to 2029

• Scottish Government antimicrobial resistance information

• Scottish One Health Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance (SONAAR) Report

• UKRI AMR Networks

• Scottish Government's RESAS ENRA Strategic Research Programme 2027-2032