When NIAMRRE launched its strategy for 2020 in January of this year, we could not possibly have foreseen the changes and challenges that were to occur. What we envisioned as a monumental second year of opportunity and growth was quickly altered by interruption, revolution, and ultimately rejuvenation. Our purpose was even more vital as SARS-CoV-2 demonstrated public health threats must be prioritized. The increased use of antibiotics in patients with COVID-19 created added pressure for AMR.
In January, we launched One Heath CertifiedTM (a verified program administered by NIAMRRE) which gives protein producers an improved, comprehensive program to demonstrate to consumers that they follow responsible animal care principles. We welcomed our first members in July and have almost 100 scientists committed to actively work to advance our understanding of AMR. Finally, NIAMRRE Exchange—a significant initiative for multisectoral collaboration—was launched in October.
I want to extend my sincere thanks to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the NIAMRRE Interim Executive Advisory Board, the 2020-2021 NIAMRRE Advisory Council, Erica Hellmich, and our new Operations Center staff: Kris Johansen, Melissa Miller, and Jazzy McCroskey.
As we close out the year, we remain in a global pandemic but our collective strength can have a profound impact on the coming year. I am deeply grateful for the value each of you adds to NIAMRRE, and I am certain that we will achieve more than we ever thought possible in 2021.
—NIAMRRE Executive Director, Dr. Paul Plummer, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DECSRHM