Regulations on the Use of Antibiotics in Livestock Production in South America: A Comparative Literature Analysis

Abstract

As a global health problem, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crosses national borders, leading UN (United Nations) multilateral agencies to call for all countries to improve the stewardship of antibiotics in humans and animals. South American countries have changed their regulations regarding antibiotic use in livestock production. This literature review examines how far the five largest meat-producing countries in South America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Uruguay) have come in terms of the relevant legislation. Rules on market entry (marketing authorization and official distribution systems) are already set in all countries examined. Four countries do not allow growth promoters based on critically important antibiotics, and countries have also begun to set guidelines and minimum welfare and biosecurity requirements to reduce the therapeutic demand for antibiotics. Nonetheless, there are aspects related to the distribution, use, and disposal of antibiotics that need to be developed further. In conclusion, legislation in South American countries is moving towards the goals set by UN multilateral agencies, but more can be done. Differences between countries’ rules and the gold standards set by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), World Health Organization (WHO), and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reveal possible adaptations to the countries’ realities. Further studies must examine compliance with the legislation already set and investigate other tools that can be used alongside legislation as a driving force to change stakeholder behaviour.

Spread and persistence of antimicrobial resistance genes in wastewater from human and animal sources in São Paulo, Brazil

“…Although some alternatives for antibiotic use in livestock are emerging, for example, less stressful management to reduce infections and the use of antimicrobial peptides for growth promotion, Brazilian farmers still believe that antibiotics are essential resources to meet the high standards of foreign markets and to produce cheap food for consumers [11,12]. Regulations on the use of antibiotics in livestock production in Latin America have been advancing toward achieving the standards required by international human and animal health authorities [13]; however, no regulations are applied for wastewater release, and each producer manages waste according to local conditions, whether installing wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) or disposing the waste directly into nature.…”