By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a landmark move for regional public health, Costa Rica has unveiled its first national Surveillance Report on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), establishing a robust framework to monitor and combat the growing threat of drug-resistant bacteria. The initiative, led by the National Animal Health Service (SENASA), positions Costa Rica as the first country in Central America to implement such a comprehensive surveillance program, integrating data from both the livestock and human health sectors.
The report, released during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, is a critical step towards enhancing the nation’s food security and informing evidence-based sanitary policies. By focusing on the early detection of resistant bacteria, the country aims to mitigate significant risks to its population and agricultural industry. This effort solidifies a holistic “One Health” vision, recognizing the intricate connection between human, animal, and environmental well-being.
To delve into the complex legal and regulatory landscape surrounding the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, we sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Antimicrobial resistance represents a critical failure at the intersection of public health policy, intellectual property law, and corporate responsibility. The current legal frameworks do not adequately incentivize the costly research and development of new antibiotics, which are used sparingly by design. We must urgently explore novel legal mechanisms, such as patent extensions, public-private partnership models, and regulatory fast-tracking, to de-risk investment. Failure to create a viable market for these life-saving drugs is not just a market failure; it’s a legal and ethical one that leaves our society vulnerable.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The legal and ethical dimensions highlighted are indeed central to overcoming this public health crisis, shifting the focus from a purely scientific race to a necessary reform of our economic and regulatory systems. This analysis serves as a critical call to action for lawmakers and industry leaders alike. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and invaluable perspective.
The foundation of this report is an extensive epidemiological surveillance campaign conducted between 2020 and 2024. During this period, researchers collected and analyzed a vast number of samples from key agricultural sources. This included over 500 cecal content samples from pigs, 390 from cattle, 245 from poultry ceca, and more than 250 from tilapia. This meticulous work allowed for the isolation and study of critical microorganisms such as Salmonella spp., E. coli, and Enterococcus spp.
Looking ahead, the program is set to expand its scope. SENASA announced plans to broaden surveillance to include raw fluid milk, targeting microorganisms like Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., and E. coli. This expansion will be carried out in close coordination with dairy producers and academic institutions, ensuring a collaborative approach to monitoring the national sanitary status and implementing effective management measures to protect consumers.
Costa Rica’s commitment to tackling AMR is further strengthened by its international partnerships. Since 2019, SENASA has collaborated with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OMSA) by utilizing its ANIMUSE platform. This powerful tool facilitates the comparative analysis of antimicrobial use and resistance data on a global scale, empowering Costa Rican officials with the technical and scientific insights needed for effective national and regional decision-making.
This new report builds upon a foundation of proactive policies established years ago. Since 2018, the country has operated a certification program that recognizes livestock farms adhering to high standards of biosecurity and the responsible use of antimicrobials. This program incentivizes producers to adopt best practices that are crucial in the fight against resistance.
Demonstrating the program’s ongoing success, SENASA recently awarded certifications to seven farms this week. These producers of table eggs, chicken, and fattening pigs, located in the Huetar Norte and Central Occidental regions, successfully met the demanding standards for the year. This achievement underscores the private sector’s commitment to partnering with the government for safer and more sustainable food production.
At the core of this entire strategy are the Good Practices for the Use of Veterinary Medicines (BPUMV). These guidelines promote the prudent and responsible administration of medications in primary production. Adherence to these practices is paramount not only for slowing the development of resistant bacteria but also for minimizing the risk of chemical residues in food products and reducing environmental contamination, ensuring a healthier future for all Ticos.
For further information, visit senasa.go.cr
About SENASA (National Animal Health Service):
The Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASA) is the official government body in Costa Rica responsible for safeguarding animal health, ensuring food safety, and regulating agricultural inputs. It works to prevent, control, and eradicate pests and diseases in animals and plants, while promoting good agricultural practices to protect public health and facilitate international trade.
For further information, visit woah.org
About OMSA (World Organisation for Animal Health):
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OMSA), formerly known as the OIE, is the intergovernmental organization responsible for improving animal health worldwide. It collects, analyzes, and disseminates veterinary scientific information, encourages international solidarity in the control of animal diseases, and sets standards for international trade in animals and animal products.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a cornerstone of the legal community, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of guiding clients through complex challenges across numerous industries, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies. Its core belief in societal empowerment is demonstrated through a profound commitment to demystifying the law, thereby contributing to a more knowledgeable and capable public.
