Rational Use of Antimicrobials in Animal Production:A Prerequisite to Stem the Tide of Antimicrobial Resistance

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a worldwide 'OneHealth' problem. The spread of AMR has limited the treatment options against infectious diseases. Inappropriate use of antimicrobials, is a major contributor for the development of AMR and its spread. In animal husbandry, antimicrobials are used for treating infectious diseases and in sub-therapeutic concentrations for growth promotion and disease prophylaxis. The use of antimicrobials in sub-therapeutic concentrations exerts selective pressure on bacteria and results in the emergence of bacterial strains resistant to one or more antimicrobials. The food animals raised on sub-optimal doses of antibiotics become reservoirs of resistant bacterial strains, transmitted subsequently to man and the environment. Various human, animal and environmental health agencies have decided to jointly address this problem. Establishment of integrated and harmonized AMR surveillance programmes, reduced use of antimicrobials in animal production, good governance of veterinary services, and development of new antimicrobials and their alternatives are some of the AMR management strategies in animals. Antibiotics are indispensable for human health; however, they should be totally banned in the food animals to preserve effectiveness of these drugs. In India, use of antimicrobials in food animals is limited for disease prophylaxis and growth promotion. However, absence of uniform regulations on the use of antimicrobials in animal production threatens the rationale use of these drugs in livestock.

Prevalence of virulence factor, antibiotic resistance, and serotype genes of Pasteurella multocida strains isolated from pigs in Vietnam

“…Since the pathogenic behavior of P. multocida could be predicted by the virulence factors and the serogroups, evaluation of these virulence factors is important. Antibiotics have been used widely for the treatment of pasteurellosis in animals, their prolonged and indiscriminate use has led to onset of resistance among various strains [8][9][10], therefore, limiting therapeutic option [11]. Moreover, the antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria from food-producing animals and environmental sources is recognized as a global problem for public health [12].…”

Governing antimicrobial resistance: a narrative review of global governance mechanisms

“…Regulations on antimicrobial use could have binding targets for agricultural use of antibiotics [ 12 , 25 ]. Thakur and Panda [ 26 ] recommend banning use of all medically important antibiotics in food for animals through global harmonization. The goal is to preserve their effectiveness for necessary medical use.…”

The global governance of antimicrobial resistance: a cross-country study of alignment between the global action plan and national action plans

“…In comparison, legally binding regulations that target specific sectors and activities related to AMR would constitute a more pragmatic global governance regime. Such binding regulations could focus explicitly on reducing antimicrobials in livestock production, for example, by restricting the on-farm use of antimicrobials that are essentially important for human health [33]. Other GAP objectives might be less suitable for hard law solutions.…”