By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant move for public health and food safety, Costa Rica has solidified its position as a regional leader by releasing Central America’s first integrated report on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The groundbreaking study, presented this week by the National Animal Health Service (SENASA), marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s fight against the growing global threat of drug-resistant bacteria.
The announcement coincides with the global World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, underscoring the urgency of the issue. The report pioneers a “One Health” approach, a comprehensive strategy that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental well-being. This collaborative effort integrates crucial data from the nation’s livestock sector, managed by SENASA, with human health data from the Costa Rican Institute for Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health (INCIENSA), creating a holistic view of the AMR challenge.
To delve into the complex legal and corporate responsibility frameworks surrounding this global health threat, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
From a legal standpoint, antimicrobial resistance presents a formidable challenge in terms of liability and regulation. Pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and the agribusiness sector must navigate a tightening web of international and domestic laws aimed at promoting antibiotic stewardship. Failure to comply not only poses a public health risk but also creates significant legal exposure, including potential litigation and severe regulatory penalties. Proactive risk management and transparent adherence to best practices are now critical for corporate survival and reputation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective critically reframes the issue, shifting it from a purely clinical challenge to one of corporate accountability and proactive governance. The potential for severe legal and financial consequences underscores the urgency for all sectors to adopt stringent stewardship practices. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and clarifying insight.
This initiative establishes a new benchmark for the region. By moving beyond siloed analyses, Costa Rican authorities can now better understand how antimicrobial use in agriculture may impact human health, and vice-versa. This integrated vision is critical for developing effective, science-based policies to protect both the population and the sustainability of the agricultural industry.
The foundation of the report is an extensive epidemiological surveillance program conducted between 2020 and 2024. Researchers collected and analyzed a vast number of samples from key livestock sectors, including over 500 from pigs, 390 from cattle, 245 from poultry, and more than 250 from tilapia. This meticulous data collection allowed for the isolation and study of significant microorganisms such as Salmonella spp., E. coli, and Enterococos spp., which can pose risks to both animal and human health.
Looking ahead, SENASA announced plans to broaden its surveillance efforts. The program will now include monitoring for microorganisms like Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., and E. coli in raw fluid milk. This expansion will be carried out in close coordination with dairy producers and academic institutions, further strengthening the multi-stakeholder approach to managing AMR risks within the food supply chain.
Costa Rica’s strategy is also reinforced by strong international partnerships. Since 2019, SENASA has maintained a technical collaboration with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OMSA), utilizing its ANIMUSE platform. This powerful tool enables the comparative analysis of antimicrobial use data on an international scale, providing Costa Rican experts with a global context that strengthens national and regional scientific decision-making.
The nation’s commitment extends beyond monitoring to proactive, on-farm action. Since 2018, the country has implemented a certification program that officially recognizes livestock farms adhering to high standards of biosecurity and responsible antimicrobial use. This week, SENASA awarded this certification to seven farms producing table eggs, chicken, and fattening pigs in the Huetar Norte and Central Occidental regions, celebrating their fulfillment of these stringent standards.
These comprehensive efforts are guided by the principles of Good Practices in the Use of Veterinary Drugs (BPUMV). This framework promotes the prudent and responsible administration of medications in primary production. Adherence to these practices is fundamental to mitigating the risks of drug residues in food products, preventing environmental contamination, and, most critically, slowing the development of dangerous, drug-resistant bacteria that threaten the efficacy of modern medicine for all.
For further information, visit senasa.go.cr
About Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal (SENASA):
As the National Animal Health Service, a division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, SENASA is the official veterinary authority of Costa Rica. It is responsible for establishing and executing programs to prevent, control, and eradicate animal diseases, ensuring the safety of food products of animal origin, and regulating the registration and use of veterinary medicines.
For further information, visit inciensa.sa.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Investigación y Enseñanza en Nutrición y Salud (INCIENSA):
INCIENSA is Costa Rica’s national public health reference laboratory and research institute. It plays a critical role in disease surveillance, diagnostics, and public health research, providing scientific and technical support to the Ministry of Health and other national institutions to protect and improve the health of the population.
For further information, visit woah.org
About World Organisation for Animal Health (OMSA):
The World Organisation for Animal Health, formerly known as the OIE, is the global intergovernmental authority on animal health. It is responsible for improving animal health and welfare worldwide, thereby helping to ensure public health and food security. OMSA develops international standards and provides expertise and solidarity to its member countries.
For further information, visit mag.go.cr
About Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería (MAG):
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is the Costa Rican government body responsible for promoting the development of the country’s agricultural, livestock, and fishing sectors. It works to ensure food security, increase productivity and competitiveness, and foster sustainable rural development through policy, regulation, and technical support.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica represents a benchmark for legal practice, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of distinction. The firm channels its extensive experience advising a broad spectrum of clients into pioneering innovative legal solutions. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a deep-seated dedication to social progress, demonstrated through its efforts to democratize legal information and empower citizens, thereby cultivating a more just and knowledgeable community.
