dsm-firmenich Joins WOAH to Spotlight Farmers Leading the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance in New Series

Kaiseraugst (Switzerland)

dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health, a global leader in sustainable animal nutrition solutions, today announced its participation in Animals & Us, a new global digital series presented by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and produced by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions.

Animals & Us explores the connections between animals, people and the environments we share, and how these relationships are shaping the world. As part of the series, the film explores how the animal nutrition industry is rethinking traditional practices to raise animals with less reliance on antibiotics by embracing science-based solutions, working closely with experts and demonstrating that change is both possible and essential. The episode follows farmers who are leading the fight against antimicrobial resistance in practice.

Fidelis Fru, SVP, Head of Global Business Development at dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health, said: “Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest health challenges of our time, affecting not only how we treat infections but also how we produce food and protect livelihoods. We know that reducing antibiotic use today will help preserve their effectiveness for the future. While antibiotics have transformed human and animal health, their effectiveness is under threat, making responsible antibiotic use and preventative animal health approaches increasingly important. Through Animals & Us, we're showing how to make that happen.”

The feature spotlights Peter Barany, Director of Baromfi Coop, Master Good, a family-run poultry business, and showcases how collaboration between farmers, nutrition experts and industry partners can help reduce reliance on antibiotics while maintaining animal health and welfare. Through practical changes on farms, including improved animal welfare practices and preventative health measures, the story demonstrates the process of responsible reduction.

“Antimicrobial resistance is not only a business issue – it's a personal issue for my family and me. Farmers have an important role to play, and many are actively looking for ways to reduce antibiotic use while maintaining high standards of animal health and welfare. Working with partners such as dsm-firmenich gives us the knowledge and support to make meaningful progress. If we take care of animals, we also take care of ourselves," said Barany.

Kunal Mehta, Global Head - Marketing, Communication and Brand at dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health added: “The most effective purpose-led marketing starts with real stories and real impact. Issues such as antimicrobial resistance, food security and animal welfare affect all of us, yet the work being done to address them often goes unseen. Initiatives such as Animals & Us create an opportunity to bring these conversations to wider audiences by sharing the experiences of farmers, scientists and industry experts working to drive progress on the ground. By helping people better understand the connections between animal health, human health and the health of our planet, we can make complex challenges more accessible, build trust through transparency and demonstrate that meaningful progress is possible when people come together around a common purpose.”

Dr. Nataliya Roth, Global Lead AMR, Science Advocacy and Global Trials Manager at dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health, said: “Prevention is our strongest weapon against antimicrobial resistance, and today we have more tools than ever to act early. Advances in diagnostics, surveillance, and animal health management enable farmers to anticipate risk, make smarter decisions, and reduce antibiotic use without compromising welfare or productivity.
Across countries, we’ve helped deliver meaningful reductions through integrated strategies that include data-driven management, stronger biosecurity, enhanced welfare, and optimized nutrition.
The result is clear: healthier animals need fewer antibiotics, making prevention central to a One Health approach.”

The stories come at a time when WOAH’s 2026 State of the World’s Animal Health report is drawing attention to the critical role animal health plays in protecting communities worldwide. With agricultural systems now occupying 50% of the planet’s habitable land and global wildlife populations having declined by an average of 69% since 1970, the relationship between animals and humans is changing every day.

As around 60% of known human infectious diseases originate in animals, and animal health receives as little as 0.6% of global health spending, Animals & Us explores what prevention, innovation and resilience can look like on the ground.