More than 80 pharma companies, including animal health leaders Merck ($MRK) and Sanofi ($SNY), signed a declaration on combating antimicrobial resistance at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Jan. 21. The declaration, which was also signed by 9 industry associations, supports several initiatives aimed at improving how antibiotics are prescribed in both animal and human health, such as promoting more judicious antibiotics use in livestock. It also appeals to governments, insurers and healthcare providers to remove any financial incentives awarded to professionals--including veterinarians--for prescribing antibiotics in high volumes. Release (PDF)