The Current Status of the Alternative Use to Antibiotics in Poultry Production: An African Perspective

Abstract

Over the years the growth and health of food-producing animals have been enhanced by the use of antibiotics. These have helped reduce on-farm mortalities, lower incidences of diseases and more importantly improve productivity. Generally, the utilization of antibiotics in feed has been reevaluated since bacterial pathogens have established and shared a variety of antibiotic resistance mechanisms that can easily be spread within microbial communities. Multiple countries have introduced bans or severe restrictions on the non-therapeutic use of antibiotics. This has therefore warranted the urgent need for alternatives. Africa is facing its own challenges as it has been reported to be one of the continents with the highest number of foodborne diseases with approximately 91 million related diseases and 137,000 death per annum. Stakeholder and policy direction has been put in place to curb this escalation; however, the problem persists. The use of alternatives has been recommended and some successfully used in other countries as well as Africa, including pro- and prebiotics and phytochemicals. This then leads to the core aim of this review which is to (1) determine the extent to which antimicrobial-resistant pathogens have affected Africa, (2) assess the current measures put in place by Africa to reduces antimicrobial resistance and finally (3) explore the alternative use of antibiotics in poultry production. Improved sanitary conditions and farm biosecurity are important alternatives that could be adopted by farmers instead of depending on antibiotic drugs for disease control and prevention.

Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Agriculture and Food Production Systems in Africa: A Systematic Review

“…These should include policies and regulations on prescription practices, animal feed, surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial use, antimicrobial disposal, and strengthening the national drug regulatory authorities in the agriculture, human and animal health sectors. These policies should include the banning of over-the-counter sales and restrictions of non-therapeutic uses of antibiotics, while promoting alternatives to antibiotics such as probiotics, prebiotics and phytobiotics [ 157 ]. Already, Namibia has introduced a ban on the routine use of antibiotics in healthy animals [ 158 ].…”

Are We Making the Most of Community Pharmacies? Implementation of Antimicrobial Stewardship Measures in Community Pharmacies: A Narrative Review

“…The extensive use of antibiotics in animal husbandry is considered an important contributor to microbial resistance, as antibiotics are not only used in treatment of developed infection but also as a growth promotor factor or prophylactic, often administered to an entire stock of animals [ 93 , 94 ]. Manure and other animal waste, as well as wastewater from farms, could be contaminated with antibiotics, their metabolites and resistant strains of bacteria [ 95 , 96 , 97 ]. Their improper disposal could also contaminate food sources, further propagating their resistance [ 96 , 98 , 99 ].…”

“…Manure and other animal waste, as well as wastewater from farms, could be contaminated with antibiotics, their metabolites and resistant strains of bacteria [ 95 , 96 , 97 ]. Their improper disposal could also contaminate food sources, further propagating their resistance [ 96 , 98 , 99 ]. A survey found that roughly half of Italian veterinarians working on pig and cattle farms considered antimicrobial usage as not always in line with the guidelines [ 100 ].…”

“…However, they seemed to be underutilized, as the farmers in those countries did not seek their advice about antibiotic choice, dosage or use [ 97 , 103 ]. Especially useful could be the pharmacists’ role as educators, as farmers are often aware of their overuse of antibiotics, or the existence of antimicrobial resistance, but still continue with their practice as they do not know its consequences on public health or alternative methods to prevent diseases [ 96 , 98 , 103 , 106 ]. Another concerning practice was discovered by a study in India where the veterinary antimicrobial medications for working animals were dispensed intentionally in wrong dosages and in higher quantities for financial gain [ 105 ].…”

Sustainable Antibiotic-Free Broiler Meat Production: Current Trends, Challenges, and Possibilities in a Developing Country Perspective

“…In contrast, the global consumption of antimicrobials in food animal production is anticipated to increase by two-thirds by 2030 due to rises in production and the demand for animal products. [ 129 ] Although most antibiotic use occurs in the agricultural sector, relatively little research has been done on how antibiotic use in food animals contributes to the overall problem of antibiotic resistance. There is a notable lack of quantitative monitoring data on antibiotic use in broilers in most large poultry-producing countries [ 40 ].…”